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…

The overall purpose of the research studies described in this report was to investigate the quality of the administration of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment during its first operational year (2014-2015). Findings from these studies can be used to identify threats to the validity of PARCC test…

The Child Behavior Checklist and related forms were completed for 171 boys referred for school-based assessment resulting from academic and/or behavioral problems. Adolescents consistently underreported behavioral problems relative to parents and teachers regardless of subsequent diagnosis. Implications of these discrepancies in school-based…

This paper reviews the psychometric properties, treatment utility, and conceptual basis of instruments used to identify the functions of aberrant behaviors in people with developmental disabilities. Instruments include the Motivational Assessment Scale, Motivation Analysis Rating Scale, Functional Analysis Interview Form, and Functional Analysis…

The hypothesis that behaviorally disordered students would perform worse under standard, timed testing conditions than under relaxed time limit conditions was studied with 40 adolescents hospitalized for a variety of behavioral conditions. Performance increased under untimed conditions only in the area of reading comprehension. (Author/SEW)

The paper examines seven pressing issues in the educational assessment of children with learning and behavior disorders. Research and court cases are cited in the discussion of the following issues (sample subtopics in parentheses): focus of assessment (for clarification, identification, and classification purposes); types of abilities evaluated…

A discussion of the influences of impulsivity on test performance is presented, along with suggested procedures for ascertaining more accurately the cognitive abilities of impulsive children. (Author)

This report was prepared to provide recommendations for testing adult dyslexics for employment purposes. Since the literature on dyslexia does not deal directly with this topic, the recommendations are based primarily on inferences from what is known about the diagnosis, etiology and treatment of dyslexia in children. A summary of the major…

Ten suggestions are offered for managing disruptive behavior so that optimal test performance is elicited from children (ages 2-12), including: establish rules and teach a ready position; provide praise; give effective instructions; use rewards; time breaks carefully; use active ignoring and redirection; use choice statements; and maintain…