The pattern of correlations between subtests suggests that several of the aptitudes are of doubtful validity. In no case was it possible to extract more than three adequately determined factors. (Author)

A sample of 26 adolescents tested the utility of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) as a behavioral measure of risk-taking propensity. Data indicate that riskyness on the BART was related to self-reported engagement in real-world risk-taking behaviors. These data suggest that the BART may be a useful addition to self-report batteries for the…

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)

Among the various tests employed in personnel selection, handwriting analysis, or graphology, has enjoyed long-standing international popularity despite being highly contentious. This report contains not only an evaluation of the current published scientific reviews on the use of graphology in personnel selection, but also an evaluation of several…

Examines major issues in the debate over Crouse's research and recommendations concerning the (SAT) Scholastic Aptitude Test's incremental value in admissions; the nature of the admissions process; other benefits to colleges of the SAT; its possible benefits for college applicants; and the use of college admissions tests as interventions for…

Various classical approaches to evaluating test bias are reviewed, and their conceptual underpinnings are discussed. Bias is examined as it relates to predictive validity, rather than construct validity. One of the first test bias models was developed by T. A. Cleary (1968). Cleary's work with test bias and regression stimulated others to develop…

This study of 174 children meeting criteria for learning disabilities revealed that the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) factors accounted for a large portion of the achievement variance during hierarchical regression analyses. Proposes that the practitioner should refrain from focusing on global scores and…

Self-assessments combined with achievements and test scores lead to increased accuracy and fairness in examining, but require adjustment for degree of understanding of the element to be rated. This kind of analysis appears promising for studies designed to reduce adverse impact of tests. (Author)

Compares the validity of individuals' self-assessments with other assessment procedures commonly used in psychological evaluation. It is argued that greater attention should be given to self-assessments and the improvement of their validity. Steps are outlined for deciding when self-assessment should be used, and suggestions are offered for…

This paper reports changes in the professional knowledge, general knowledge, and communication skills components of the National Teacher Examinations and explains validation procedures. Research efforts to: (1) establish the tests' credibility and usefulness; (2) identify factors the tests measure; and (3) study their relationship to effective…

Reviews findings on the predictive validity of psychometric tests of intelligence. Concludes that conventional tests of intelligence can be useful but only if they are interpreted very carefully, taking into account the factors that can affect them, and in conjunction with other measures. (Author)

Examines whether individual intelligence tests such as the WISC-R are biased against Hispanic school-aged children. Discusses three common but faulty notions of test bias, and advances a psychometric definition of bias. Analyzes evidence regarding external and internal validity. Presents guidelines for intellectual assessment of bilingual…

To determine whether the Posner task, which measures the speed at which information is retrieved from the long term memory, improves prediction of reading comprehension, 121 students from reading and study skills and teacher education courses were administered the Posner task and listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and SAT verbal…

Validity data are provided for the Adaptive Behavior Inventory for Children (ABIC) and the Estimated Learning Potential (ELP) which are components of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA). Results lead the author to conclude that caution is indicated in the use of the two procedures. (JKS)

Papers are presented that were prepared as part of a study group of the International Council for Educational Development on criteria and procedures for admission to higher education and the relationship between higher education and the law. In "Access to Higher Education and the Law," Larry G. Simon analyzes the role of law and especially the…