An analysis of the Sport Orientation Questionnaire, a multidimensional, sport-specific measure of individual differences in achievement orientation, indicates that it is a valid and reliable measure of individual sport achievement orientation. (JD)

Five validity studies of the id, ego, superego, and identity scales of the Study of Imagery are reported, using undergraduate students. Multistage Bonferroni procedures are used to evaluate the significance of results. The scales are related to each other and to toughmindedness, self-control, and behavioral conflict. (TJH)

The Infant Monitoring Project is designed to identify infants in need of further evaluation, by having parents complete a set of questionnaires about their infant's development at four-six month intervals. Evaluation of the questionnaires has shown that they are low-cost and have substantial agreement with standardized assessments. (Author/JDD)

Several meanings of bias are examined, and evidence concerning the validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which has been widely criticized, is presented. Several forms of alleged bias are addressed, including underprediction of minority group college performance, bias in test use, measurement bias, and sex bias. (MSE)

Examines the role of standardized, performance-based assessment measures in the high school context. Reports validity and reliability information on the "Communication Competency Assessment Instrument--High School Edition," which was used to assess student speaking performance and to gauge the level of improvement as a result of instruction. (SR)

The Draw-a-Person Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance was evaluated with 39 deaf children, ages 9 through 12, who were divided into 2 groups: emotionally disturbed and not emotionally disturbed. Group mean scores were not significantly different; more than half the subjects in each group were misclassified using the procedure. (Author/DB)

This commentary discusses three essential themes in performance assessment and its scoring. First, scores should mean something. Second, performance scores should permit fair and meaningful comparisons. Third, validity-reducing errors should be minimal. Increased attention to performance assessment may overcome these problems. (SLD)

Argues that test security in student testing is an immoral, inefficient practice rooted in medieval views of the teacher-student relationship. Secrecy practices involving testing should be scrutinized carefully and minimized through the use of explicit principles--an Assessment Bill of Rights--that put students' rights on par with the testmaker's…

Fifteen children (ages 4-13) with psychotic symptoms were compared to 15 children with autism using the Ritvo-Freeman Real Life Rating Scale and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Psychotic individuals were rated as having better language and social skills; autistic persons had more difficulty adapting to new situations. (Author/JDD)

Validity differences for a "g" (general factor of intelligence) score calculated on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) alone versus the ASVAB plus 9 experimental tests were determined for 3,922 military recruits. A validity gain of potential utility was observed for hands-on performance measures. (SLD)

The ability of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents to detect emotional disturbance was examined. Discriminant analyses produced sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy ratings of approximately 80% with a sample of 150 youths, ages 5-17, who were not disabled and 150 youths who were socially or emotionally disturbed.…

This study assessed the validity and reliability of a modified, self-report version of the Autonomous Functioning Checklist for use with adults with mental retardation. Adolescents and adults (n=409) with mental retardation were interviewed. Results generally supported the instrument's validity and reliability and previous studies' findings that…

The Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans was revised to measure cultural orientation toward Mexican and Anglo cultures independently. The revised scale is multifactorial, demonstrated strong construct validity with a sample of 379 college students representing five generational levels, and is capable of generating multidimensional…

The convergent validity of an abbreviated version of the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST) was tested and supported. Extends a previous validity study by examining the CAST relationship to a measure that specifically addresses triangulation, individuation, intimacy, and personal authority between children of alcoholics and children of…

Investigates reliability and validity of speech evaluation instruments used in public speaking classes. Finds that student speeches can be evaluated reliably and validly using any of a number of different evaluation forms that address the fundamental speech constructs of content and delivery. Finds that lack of extensive rater training and…