This paper describes the process for creating and validating an assessment test that measures the effectiveness of instruction by probing how well that instruction causes students in a class to think like experts about specific areas of science. The design principles and process are laid out and it is shown how these align with professional…

A discussion of how informal interviews could replace most psychological testing of children. (HB)

Clinical evaluations of child molesters include a clinical interview and psychological testing, and sometimes phallometric assessment and polygraphy. The information gathered explains the situational antecedents and offender characteristics that led to the sexual victimization and the amount of risk an individual presents. (JDD)

A professor discussed options for interviewing new patients using a bloodhound metaphor. After picking up a scent at the door, would the hound methodically search from room to room to room? Or would the hound efficiently follow the thread of the scent directly to the meter reader? In the past, psychiatrists learned to interview by tracking…

This article examines recent literature related to the diagnosis of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) in childhood. First, the article discusses diagnostic criteria presented in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Next, it explores the diagnostic procedures for AD/HD…

Comparison of a standardized production format measure, the Measure of Epistemological Reflection and an open-ended interview resulted in a high positive correlation to support the potential of standardized assessment of intellectual development. (Author/KS)

The evaluation and assessment of sexual offenders is different than any other type of evaluation, and most clinicians are not properly trained to interview this population. This article addresses the clinical and ethical issues particular to the interview, assessment, and evaluation of these types of offenders. It offers both practical information…

A model for assessing the developmental skills of handicapped children is presented, for school psychologists. Stressing the relationship between assessment, intervention, and program evaluation, it is consistent with Public Law 94-142. Three assessment methods are recommended: parent interview, observation, and adaptive use of standardized tests.…

This survey of the instruments and methods that are currently available for assessing mental health problems in persons with mental retardation lists formalized instruments and interview techniques and evaluates them from a methodological perspective. Emphasis is on the assessment and classification of disorders rather than on the evaluation of…

Noting that reliable and valid measures of competence are essential for preschool screening, diagnostic, and research purposes, this review for practitioners and researchers presents an inventory and evaluation of standardized measuring instruments designed for assessing social and emotional competence in preschool children. A total of 39…