Outlines an agenda for a dialogue that focuses on the relation between acquired language proficiencies (verbal abilities) and non-verbal abilities. Shows the relevance of this to language testing, framing the problem within a general theory of signs and deriving certain testable hypotheses concerning it. (Author/VWL)

Algebraic calculators with symbolic manipulation capabilities are tools in some classrooms for 14-19 year olds, and their use in learning and teaching mathematics is likely to increase over time. Explains the reports of government-initiated working groups that consider the implications of their use in academic mathematics examinations for…

Argues that H. W. Marsh and K.-T. Hau (1996) misunderstood parsimony and its role in testing a hypothesis about an incompletely specified model to establish its objective validity. More parsimonious models represent more complete hypotheses having more ways of being tested and confirmed. Marsh and Hau could also have used more parsimonious…

Presents two activities that may be used in career counseling to make learning about career-development theories more interesting and enjoyable. (Author)

The history of generalizability theory (G theory) is told from the perspective of one researcher's experiences, describing psychometric and scientific perspectives that influenced the development of G theory and its adoption. Work that remains to be done in the field is outlined. (SLD)

The relationship between the validity theory of the past 50 years and actual validity practices was studied by comparing published test standards with the practices of measurement professionals expressed in the "Mental Measurements Yearbook" test reviews. Results show a symbiotic relationship between theory and practice on the influence…

Proposed and evaluated two new methods of improving the measurement precision of a general test factor. One provides a multidimensional item response theory estimate based on administrations of multiple-choice test items that span general and nuisance dimensions, and the other chooses items adaptively to maximize the precision of the general…

This volume is designed to supplement contemporary textbooks on measurement and testing by explicating some often neglected topics, with particular emphasis on item response theory (IRT). Six chapters focus on the measurement of cognitive abilities, four focus on personality measurement, and a closing chapter contains an overview of IRT. The book…

Analyzed 150 articles from the "Journal of Applied Psychology" (JAP) from 1940 to 1999 to determine statistical reporting practices related to null hypothesis significance testing, American Psychological Association guidelines, and reform recommendations. Findings show little evidence that decades of cogent criticisms by reformers have…

Begins with a quick history of the English profession's response to the prospect/specter of the computer as reader of student writing. Describes two programs that are now being heavily marketed and publicized nationally. Sketches out some of the implications of these programs for members of the profession of English in America. (SG)

Suggests that as part of their own professional growth, teachers must define, analyze, and evaluate their personal beliefs about schooling. Discusses (1) the two major belief systems--transmissive and progressive; (2) a computerized instrument designed to assist educators in assessing their tendencies toward either belief system; and (3) the value…

Investigates whether the use of computer algebra systems could provide a significant advantage to students taking standard university entrance calculus examinations. Indicates that supercalculators would probably provide a significant advantage, particularly for lower-achieving students. Demonstrates that it is possible to write questions in which…

Examines evidence presented for the validity of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) rating scales in "Foreign Language Annals" (1990), "System" (1992), and "Proficiency Guidelines" (1982, 1986). The article argues that this evidence is insufficient to support a claim for validity. (36…

The following issues should be considered in charging fees to job applicants to take examinations in public agencies: legal authority to charge, purpose of fee, disposition of the money, how much to charge, whether refunds are given, effect on affirmative action, waivers for inability to pay, effect on attendance at the exam, and how much revenue…

Type I error rates for the Johansen test were estimated using simulated data for a variety of conditions. Results indicate that Type I error rates for the Johansen test depend heavily on the number of groups and the ratio of the smallest sample size to the number of dependent variables. Sample size guidelines are presented. (SLD)