Describes an attempt to develop a method for predicting success in learning shorthand skills. Results indicated that complex perceptual psychomotor skills, like shorthand, are predicted better when a complex multitask battery is used than when traditional methods of testing are used alone. (BM)

Using academic achievement data for 655 University students, direct validation of differential predictions based on a battery of aptitude/achievement measures selected for their differential prediction efficiency was attempted. In the cross-validation of the prediction of actual differences among five academic area GPA's, this set of differential…

It was concluded from the study that for predicting General Educational Development Test scores, the scores from the paragraph meaning and the individual subject matter areas of the SATB should be noted. (Author)

Paper presented at the International Seminar on Experimental Research in Music Education (University of Reading, Reading, England, July 9-16, 1968).

The following 8 variables were tested as predictors of success of students enrolled in freshman chemistry at Tennessee Technological University: (1) ACT subtest in natural science; (2) ACT subtest in mathematics; (3) ACT composite scores; (4) final course grade in high school chemistry; (5) final course grade in high school physics; (6) high…

The purpose of this research was to determine whether sex, teacher grades, standardized achievement test scores, intelligence test scores, and teacher ratings of children's classroom social behavior are long-range (eight years) predictors of academic achievement. Significant and high Rs were found for all criteria (teacher grades and standardized…

The predictive ability of a mathematics test organized into a branching test for computer-interactive administration was investigated. Twenty-five blocks of five items were used in the branching. Each testee took 25 items, with each subsequent block being determined by prior performance. Results supported the branching technique. (JKS)

Biased tests systematically favor some groups over others as a result of factors not part of what the test is said to measure. Bias is basically a problem of differential validity. Validity can be discussed in terms of either the procedures for establishing it or test use. Both ways clarify bias in any test. For content and construct validity, the…

This study explored the relationship between classification achievements and mathematics scores. A series of 16 items which included many of the traditional tasks used in Piagetian examinations of intellectual function, were used in group presentations. Ten of these tasks required concrete operations including class inclusion, additive…

Fifty-eight middle class children were tested over 6 years with 25 achievement, I.Q., and personality tests. Consistency of test results were evaluated by a variance comparison method and a simple signal detection model. Both methods lead to the conclusion that achievement tests are far better predictors than personality tests with I.Q. scales…

Perinatal variables were used to predict 7-year outcome for 538 children, 32% Negro and 68% white. Mother's age, birthplace, education, occupation, marital status, neuropsychiatric status, family income, number supported, birth weight, one- and five-minute Apgar scores were regressed on 7-year Verbal, Performance and Full Scale IQ, Bender, Wide…

To evaluate the usefulness of standardized achievement tests in assessing pre-university academic achievement and aptitude, the Council of Ontario Universities administered tests to incoming freshmen at four Ontario universities, and also examined their high school and subsequent university performance. The tests were designed to measure…

An elementary survey of item characteristic curve theory, centered around the problems of individualized (tailored) testing, is presented. Following the introduction, discussions are provided of the following: Test Theory for Itemized Tests; The Guttman Scale; Item Characteristic Curve Theory; An Alternative Model; Specialization, Application, and…

A study of institutionalized educable mentally handicapped children (EMR's aged 6-7 to 12-6) was designed to evaluate the use of subtest combinations and learning tasks as predictors of achievement compared to single individual and group tests. Fifty-one subjects received a pretest battery of six individual tests, one group test, three learning…

This review summarizes the major criticisms of standardized tests and testing and attempts an evaluation of the validity of the criticisms. Viewed in the context of type of test, manner of its use, and assumptions regarding its validity, the paper discusses: (1) the imperfect-prediction problem, where predictions of performance are invalidated by…