The performance of four rules for determining the number of components (factors) to retain (Kaiser's eigenvalue greater than one, Cattell's scree, Bartlett's test, and Velicer's Map) was investigated across four systematically varied factors (sample size, number of variables, number of components, and component saturation). (Author/JKS)

The author describes an evaluation of persons with suspected learning disabilities. Two types of tests are considered (mental maturity and basic language skills) and examples of each are given. Sample profiles exhibiting irregular development of aptitudes are provided and observations from informal as well as formal assessment are suggested. (CL)

Presents a test that teaches test-taking strategies and that can be used to reduce students' test anxiety. (AEA)

Assessed immediate reactions to completing the Self-Directed Search (SDS) and the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII). Results indicated that: (1) the SDS had more perceived stimulus value than the SCII; (2) the SCII was perceived to have greater clarity of directions; and (3) no sex differences on reactions were found. (Author/BEF)

Developed an alternative method of administering Halstead's category test using answer sheet and latent imager developer. There was lessened possibility of examiner error in providing reinforcement and in recording responses. Performance on alternative and standard methods by 50 subjects was the same. (Author)

Most psychological tests and inventories, particularly in personality and attitude measurement, contain common items. The present report specifically considered common-item contributions to test internal consistency reliability using extant data from the California Psychological Inventory. No negative contribution of item overlap was found.…

The grading reliability of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examinations in England was investigated by correlating GCE grades awarded to examination papers during the normal grading period and grades awarded to the same papers by a senior GCE examiner after completion of the normal GCE grading procedure. (Author/MJL)

Problems in testing main effects in regression analysis when there is interaction are discussed. A method by which main effects can be tested independently of the interaction is developed and compared with the hierarchical method. The method provides control of the type I error rate, but is quite conservative. (Author/JKS)

Describes a program to certify state and district judges of high school debate tournaments. Covers constructing the written test, evaluating the ballot test, implementing certification, and assessing the program. (PD)

Human figure drawings of 316 public school pupils (8 to 16 years old), half of whom were referred for counseling services, were analyzed using the Koppitz system of indicators of emotionality. A factor analysis of the data produced one easily interpretable factor comprised of emotional indicators for missing body parts within the drawings. (Author)

A new procedure for determining the optimal number of interpretable factors to extract from a correlation matrix is introduced and compared to more conventional procedures. The new method evaluates the magnitude of the very simple structure index of goodness of fit for factor solutions of increasing rank. (Author/CTM)

A process is described for multiple comparisons when covariates are involved in the analysis. The method can be accomplished with considerable ease whenever pairwise comparisons are involved. More complex contrasts require the use of full and restricted models of variance. (CTM)

Student performance on division exercises in the recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is reviewed. Pupil performance on selected exercises is reported and followed by some suggestions for improvement in the teaching of this skill. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Utilization).

The evaluation of competing analysis strategies based on estimator bias and variance is demonstrated using gains in standard scores and analysis of covariance procedures for quasi-experiments conforming to the fan-spread hypothesis. The findings do not lead to a uniform recommendation of either approach. (Author/JKS)

Media can be used to expand the methodological options open to counselors and psychotherapists in assessment, record-keeping, testing, evaluation, creative therapy, and preparation for treatment. The job of the media specialist is becoming one of developing treatment options for clients to consider. (CMV)