Testing of the validity and reliability of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale for autistic adolescents found the measure clearly discriminated between groups of autistic and non-autistic adolescents though it did not discriminate younger from older autistic subjects. (Author/DB)

The Token Test for Children was given in both synthesized-speech and natural-speech versions to 11 language impaired children (aged 8-10 years) and to 11 control subjects. Scores of the impaired children on the synthesized version were significantly lower than the synthesized-speech scores of the control group or of their own scores on the…

Responds to criticism against the use of the oral proficiency interview for foreign language testing through examination of the concept of logic and language testing, components of speaking ability, and the limits of linguistic theory. (20 references) (CB)

The paper reports data from four studies using the Language Development Survey (LDS), a screening tool for the identification of language delay in two-year-old children. The LDS was found to have excellent sensitivity and specificity. Prevalence data using the LDS are reported, comparing three different severity cutoffs. (Author/DB)

Updates 1985 review of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) noting recent criterion-based assessments of the MBTI remain largely unsystematic theoretically but generally positive. Claims more methodologically sophisticated approaches have been developed. Concludes that it seems premature to reject the MBTI owing either to its dichotomous approach to…

The comparability of seven sets of factor structure studies reported in previous research with the Bem Sex-Role Inventory was evaluated. The inventory's primary factors were reproduced in the studies, although the masculine scale was somewhat less invariant than was the feminine counterpart. (SLD)

Argues on basis of research on importance of "g" (intelligence) factor and racial differences in "g" that many valid, unbiased tests can be expected to produce high levels of adverse impact when used in race-neutral manner, especially in high-level jobs. Argues that unrealistic expectation regarding racial parity often leads employers to adopt…

Presents a unified concept of test validity that integrates both the scientific and ethical considerations of test interpretation and use. Argues that the appropriateness, meaningfulness, and usefulness of score-based inferences are inseparable, and that this integration is based on construct validity. (FMW)

Reviews Family Health Scale, instrument developed to assess a family's level of overall functioning based upon clinical observation of family interaction. Describes six dimensions of scale: affective status, communication, boundaries, adaptability and stability, alliances, and family competence. Reviews studies which have used Family Health Scale.…

The study examined the reliability and validity of the Adolescent and Adult Psychoeducational Profile (AAPEP). Comparison of instructional recommendations generated with objectives already identified for the autistic or retarded subjects indicated that the AAPEP appears to be an effective new instrument for those working with older handicapped…

Kinnealey reports on a study comparing tactile functions of 30 learning-disabled and 30 normal eight-year-olds as measured by the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests and the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery. Reliability and validity of the two measures were examined. Results showed a significant difference between the tactile…

Studies conducted to investigate the psychometric qualities of the Health Support Index suggest that the index is internally consistent, stable and, potentially useful in identifying those individuals who do or do not have adequate support from their social environment to make successful changes in health-related behavior. (CB)

The study compared the results of the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) Screening Test with the Denver Developmental Screening Test-Revised and with the full-scale BDI for 30 handicapped and 35 nonhandicapped children, all aged six months to six years. Major differences were found between the tests and populations identified for follow-up.…

Empirical studies involving 875 adolescents and adults were conducted to develop and validate the Quick Discrimination Index (QDI), a 30-item, Likert-type self-report inventory that measures attitudes toward racial diversity and women's equality. The test was found to be internally consistent and stable and to have promising validity. (SLD)

Examined discriminant validity of Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS) with 60 self-defined adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and 64 college students. ACOAs obtained significantly lower scores on 10 FOS subscales, 2 larger dimensions of Autonomy and Intimacy, and global score. Discriminant function correctly classified nearly 88% of sample. Findings…