Researchers are often inclined to test agreement or discrepancy hypotheses using difference scores. This commentary explains 2 mathematical-statistical principles underlying associations with difference scores and 2 conceptual-interpretation problems that make difference scores inappropriate for testing such hypotheses. The commentary provides…

The use of differences scores to assess agreement/disagreement has a long and contentious history. Laird (2020) notes, however, that developmentalists have been particularly resistant to discontinue the use of difference scores. One area of developmental science where difference scores are still in regular use is that of parental differential…

Reports the results of an experiment in which 146 college freshmen were asked either to fake bad answers, fake good answers or record their own views on the Defining Issues Test. Findings indicated that students could not fake higher scores, but could fake bad scores. (SDH)

Two studies with 80 5- and 8-year olds found that initial recognition tests elevated children's false-memory responses on delayed tests, and that false-memory creation exceeded true-memory inoculation in 5- and 8-year olds, producing net loss of accuracy over time. (MDM)

An intelligence test was administered twice to 42 black preschool children by both black and white female examiners. Results showed that the children earned higher mean scores when tested by the black examiner; the effect was significant for the Verbal, Performance, and Full-Scale IQs. (SDH)

Investigates the psychometric properties of the Preschool and Primary Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Control Scale (PPNS-IE). The test was administered to first, second and third graders. (CM)