The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate how halo effects may be detected and quantified using two independent ratings of the same person. A practical illustration is given to show how halo effects can be avoided. (Contains 2 tables, 7 figures, and 2 notes.)

This study aims to develop a short German version of the Self Description Questionnaire (SDQ I-GS) in order to present a robust economical instrument for measuring German preadolescents' multidimensional self-concept. A full German version of the SDQ I (SDQ I-G) that maintained the original structure and thus length of the English original SDQ I…

This report examines the consequences of differential item functioning (DIF) using simulated data. Its impact on total score, item response theory (IRT) ability estimate, and test reliability was evaluated in various testing scenarios created by manipulating the following four factors: test length, percentage of DIF items per form, sample sizes of…

In the attempt to identify or prevent unfair tests, both quantitative analyses and logical evaluation are often used. For the most part, fairness evaluation is a pragmatic attempt at determining whether procedural or substantive due process has been accorded to either a group of test takers or an individual. In both the individual and comparative…

Problem Statement: Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is a sophisticated and efficient way of delivering examinations. In CAT, items for each examinee are selected from an item bank based on the examinee's responses to the items. In this way, the difficulty level of the test is adjusted based on the examinee's ability level. Instead of…

Numerous short forms of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory have been proposed in the last 15 years. In each case, the initial enthusiasm has been replaced by the questions about the clinical utility of the abbreviated version. Argues that the statistical properties of the test and reduced reliability due to shortening the scales…

The reliability of measures of need for achievement can be improved by increasing the number of items and by using different scoring systems and stimulus materials. (MLP)

The use of Cohen's kappa index as a measure of the reliability of multiple classifications is developed. Special cases of the index as well as the effects of test length on the index are also explored. (JKS)

Study based on F. M. Lord's arguments in 1957 and 1959 that tests of the same length do have the same standard error of measurement. (CB)

A paradoxical phenomenon of decreases in reliability as the number of elements averaged over increases is shown to be possible in multifacet reliability procedures (intraclass correlations or generalizability coefficients). Conditions governing this phenomenon are presented along with implications and cautions. (Author)

A direct proof is given for the generalized Spearman-Brown formula for any real multiple of test length. (Author)

Wilcox (1977) examines two methods of estimating the probability of a false-positive on false-negative decision with a mastery test. Both procedures make assumptions about the form of the true score distribution which might not give good results in all situations. In this paper, upper and lower bounds on the two possible error types are described…

When multiple-choice tests are scored in the usual manner, giving each correct answer one point, information concerning response patterns is lost. A method for utilizing this information is suggested. An example is presented and compared with two conventional methods of scoring. (Author/JKS)

The reliability and item homogeneity of personality scales are in part dependent on the content domain being sampled, and this characteristic reliability cannot be explained by item ambiguity or scale length. It is suggested that clarity of self concept is also a determinant. (Author/JKS)

The internal consistency of the Goodenough-Harris Draw-A-Person Test was examined using 150 children, aged 5-8. The 72-item full scales showed good internal consistency at all ages, with no sex differences. Administration of a 42-item short form resulted in sex effects and differential internal consistency. (Author/GDC)