Multidimensional scaling (MDS) is a versatile technique for understanding the structure of multivariate data. Recent studies have applied MDS to the problem of evaluating content validity. This paper describes the importance of evaluating test content and the logic of using MDS to analyze data gathered from subject matter experts employed in…

Children with autism are able to show secure attachment behaviours to their parents/caregivers. Most studies on attachment in children with autism used a (modified) Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) to examine attachment security. An advantage of the Attachment Q-Sort (AQS) over the SSP is that it can be attuned to the secure-base behaviour of…

Points out problems in assessing student learning outcomes. Outlines a content validation approach to outcomes assessment and suggests steps for defining the content domains and developing and adopting measures. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

The definition, importance, conceptual basis, and functional nature of content validity are explored, with an emphasis on psychological assessment in clinical situations. Conditional and dynamic aspects and multiple elements of content validity are discussed, and quantitative and qualitative methods of content validation are reviewed. (SLD)

Reviews the research related to the definition of "literacy" and the comparability of various reading media and their implications for vocational assessment of literacy skills with visually impaired adults. It suggests that the characteristics of literacy, the media, and of the working methods used in criterion situations affect the content…

As automated scoring of complex constructed-response examinations reaches operational status, the process of evaluating the quality of resultant scores, particularly in contrast to scores of expert human graders, becomes as complex as the data itself. Using a vignette from the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE), this article explores the…

There has been little research on assessment of learning management systems (LMS) within educational organizations as both a web-based learning system for e-learning and as a supportive tool for blended learning environments. This study proposes a conceptual e-learning assessment model, hexagonal e-learning assessment model (HELAM) suggesting a…

Describes content-validity theory and illustrates new and traditional approaches for conducting content-validity studies. Newer approaches are based on multidimensional scaling analysis of item-similarity ratings, while traditional approaches are based on ratings of item-objective congruence and relevance. (Author/SLD)

This article presents a methodology for examining the content and nature of item parcels as indicators of a conceptually defined latent construct. An essential component of this methodology is the 2-facet measurement model, which includes items and parcels as facets of construct indicators. The 2-facet model tests assumptions required for…

The present study is an investigation of complex sentence structures produced by school-age children in ordinary 100-utterance language samples. A total of 15 children with specific language impairment (SLI) and 15 of their classmates with typical language (TL) were the participants. Each child's conversational sample was coded for several types…

As a result of the "No Child Left Behind Act," there is increased emphasis on assessment in P-12 schools today. School administrators are responsible for assessing student achievement, teacher and staff effectiveness, school climate, and graduates' perceptions of school programs. At the university level, organizations, such as the National Council…

Discussion of electronic learning focuses on outcomes, improving quality of assessment, and evaluation of electronic learning initiatives. Highlights include new directions in assessment, with examples from a variety of fields; blending assessment with learning; multiple roles for learning assessment; criteria for better assessment; and content…

A review of articles in Psychological Assessment reveals that many researchers develop instruments without the benefit of consultation with members of the target population. To the extent that researchers do consult the target population, most fail to bring consultation in early enough to inform the identification and specification of key…

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to highlight the results of the online Delphi research project; in particular the procedures used to establish an online and innovative process of content validation and obtaining "rich" and descriptive information using the internet and current e-learning technologies. The online Delphi was proven to be an…

School-wide positive behavior support (SWPBS) has been implemented in more than 4,000 schools as a means of addressing problem behavior in a systemic fashion. Preliminary outcomes (e.g., office discipline referrals, suspensions) indicate the effectiveness of SWPBS in decreasing school-wide behavior problems and creating a positive school climate.…