Argues that informal reading inventories fail on several points to provide accurate and reliable scores on the subskills of reading. Asserts that the inventories cannot properly be used to assess children's specific strengths and weaknesses. (FL)

Inspected reports on 59 patients who completed the Modified Word Learning Test (MWLT), Memory for Designs Test, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale to assess the validity of the MWLT. MWLT scores were correlated with age, verbal scale and full scale IQs and verbal performance discrepancies. (Author)

Abikoff, Gittelman-Klein, and Klein validated a behavioral observation system for use with hyperactive children. Authors selected a used coding system, trained observers to monitor classroom behavior of hyperactive children, and evaluated reliability, stability, and criterion-related validity of the system. Methodology was reviewed. Suggestions…

Dissatisfied and satisfied couples were administered a marital satisfaction questionnaire, and were observed in their homes. There was: (1) a high level of stability and discriminant validity for several behavior codes; (2) discriminant validity for questionnaires; and (3) a moderate degree of self-reported reactivity to observation. (Author)

The empirical evidence does not support the prevailing conventional wisdom that it is advisable to mix positively and negatively worded items in psychological measures to counteract acquiescence response bias. An experiment, evaluating subjects' ability to respond accurately to both positive and reversed items on a questionnaire, analyzed post-hoc…

Under experimental conditions, Canadian students were subjected to group tests on simple cognitive tasks constructed on the basis of previous theoretical work on perceptual speed. Cross-cultural replications suggest that such tests can be validated within and across cultures. (Author/MJL)

The author deals with limitations on the use of work samples as predictors of vocational success of the disabled. The predictive model is briefly reviewed and ways in which the assumptions underlying this model can be violated or altered in vocational evaluation settings are described. (Author)

Determined additional data on the reliability and validity of brief versions of the Depression Adjective Checklist by reanalyzing the data for Forms E, F, and G. Suggests the brevity and relatively high intercorrelation among the lists are assets when repeated measures are needed or many variables are measured. (Author/JAC)

Performed confirmatory factor analyses on the standardization data for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) to test competing two- and three-factor hypotheses. Results slightly favored the three-factor solution, but must be weighed against the greater convenience of the two-factor…

Describes a procedure that allows teachers to identify and order the instructional needs of children through the use of an informal reading inventory. (FL)

Suggests that the popular and simple readability formulas may not be accurate enough to predict the instructional materials best suited to the reading abilities of secondary school students. (FL)

Underlying constructs of the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children (NSLOCSC) were identified through factor analysis and cross-validated with two similar samples of high school students. The two resultant dimensions appeared to measure Social Control (six items) and Self Control (two items). (Author/GK)

The author points out the technical shortcomings inherent in traditional examinations designed to sort students and outlines more useful testing alternatives. He feels that, unfortunately, the Assessment of Performance Unit will opt for the traditional style of testing, in the name of "maintaining standards." (SJL)

Tested the hypothesis that subjects with elevated MMPI profiles would exhibit qualitatively different word associations from those with normal MMPI profiles. Results are interpreted as demonstrating the construct validity of the Sc scale in that the more pathological the profile, the greater degree of cognitive disturbance exhibited. (Author)

Examined methodological issues confronting psychologists who conduct research with correctional populations. Sections included intrusion of values; problems with trait-derived methodologies in correctional population research, including inadequate construct validity, ignoring environmental influences and ignoring subjects; naturalness and problems…