Reviews recently published methods of assessment of dynamic formulations derived from psychodynamic case material, particularly those that emphasize central maladaptive interpersonal patterns. The methods are divided into those based on case studies and those with a moderate sample size. Psychometric properties are reviewed. The question of how…

Discussion of structural knowledge assessment for large groups focuses on the features of a "KNOT" computer program which uses a network similarity index (NETSIM) to compare novice and expert concept maps. Treatment in three high school physics classes investigated reliability as well as content, construct, concurrent, and predictive…

The alternate-forms reliability of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) (A. Fisher, 1997), where alternate forms means different pairs of AMPS tasks, was studied with 91 people who had performed four AMPS tasks. Results support use of the AMPS activities of daily-living motor and process scales. (SLD)

Describes the Cognitive Constructions Coding System (CCCS) designed to study family members and their descriptions of their difficulties. CCCS codes the context of a Problem Elaboration Episode, a segment of psychotherapy discourse. Discusses four studies that explore the validity and reliability of the CCCS. (MKA)

Instruments were developed to test the following elements of Cervero's model of continuing professional-education effectiveness in achieving behavior change: motivation, social system, perceptions of the nature of change, and satisfaction with continuing professional education. Four studies and an expert panel confirmed the validity and…

Studied the psychometric characteristics of a developmental assessment in mathematics composed of 19 performance tasks for students in grades K-3. Reports convergent validity coefficients, internal consistency reliability, interrater reliability, and task orderings. (SLD)

Discussion of computer literacy and the rapidly changing face of technology focuses on a study that redefined computer literacy to include competencies for using graphical user interfaces for operating systems, hypermedia applications, and the Internet. Describes the development and testing of the Computer Interface Literacy Measure with…

Projective methods were used to explore maternal perception and interpretation of infant's emotional expressions during the third trimester of pregnancy and 3 months postpartum. Results revealed that mothers interpreted infant emotions overwhelmingly in positive terms at both times; findings suggest consistency in maternal interpretation across…

Masters level rehabilitation counseling students (n=57), college students with disabilities (n=62), and small business employers (n=83) were participants in a study that assessed attitudes toward the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Title I. Students with disabilities held the most favorable attitudes, rehabilitation counseling students' attitudes…

Evaluates the Role Repertory Grid Procedure, a technique derived from personal construct theory, for its practicality and validity as a way of gathering patron perceptions about the effectiveness and efficiency of academic library space. Concludes that further research regarding validity and reliability is needed. (Author/LRW)

Reports the multistage development of the Community Service Attitudes Scale, an instrument for measuring college students' attitudes toward community service. Analysis of scores for samples of 437 and 332 students yields strong reliability evidence, and principal components analysis supports the helping behavior model of S. Schwartz. (SLD)

Examines the internal consistency reliabilities for 14 previously-published computer attitude scales based on responses from preservice teachers, practicing K-12 teachers, and teacher educators. Describes the Teachers' Attitude toward Computers Questionnaire (TAC) that included 32 subscales. (LRW)

Studied the internal structure of a self-report measure of depressed mood in school children, the Child Depression Inventory (M. Kovacs and A. Beck, 1977) with 92 Russian and 139 English children (mean age: 12 years, 10 months). Internal reliability and consistency results and factor analysis support the use of the scale with non-Western samples…

Describes a classroom activity, listing step-by-step directions, that demonstrates the unreliability of essay scoring. Explains that after the exercise the class discussion should address the problematic factors in scoring essays. Lists recommendations for improving reliability and validity of essay scoring. (CMK)

Discusses the basic concepts of testing and item development and the application of alternative assessments to information literacy content for library instruction. Topics include reliability; validity; statistical analysis; selected response, including checklists, rank order, or simple match; constructed response; essays; and complex assessments.…