Reviews the behaviors sampled, test administration, scoring, norms, reliability, and validity of the Basic Achievement Skills Individual Screener (BASIS), an individually administered test that measures skill development in reading, mathematics, spelling, and writing. (BL)

Reports a series of studies in the development of the Personal Authority in the Family System (PAFS) questionnaire, designed to measure family processes based on aspects of current intergenerational family theory. Results indicated that the scales have good internal consistency, and test-retest reliability, and supported construct validity. (JAC)

Higher elementary student scores on standardized tests do not mean educational improvement. Scores can be affected by teaching "to" the test, coaching on test taking, and skewed norms. Test scores have been declining at the secondary level. Included is a discussion of secondary tests. (MD)

A recognition measure of Kohlbergian moral reasoning, developed on the basis of a production measure, was psychometrically evaluated. Results showed that the Sociomoral Reflection Objective Measure has acceptable concurrent validity and high levels of test-retest reliability and internal consistency. (Author/CI)

Examines and contests the claim that all language tests are in reality testing the same underlying ability which is very similar to the Spearman g-factor for intelligence. Conclusions indicate that the argument for the existence of a g-factor in language tests is not tenable on statistical grounds. (SL)

The internal consistency reliability, concurrent validity, and stability of the Cooperative Preschool Inventory in English and Spanish editions were examined for monolingual English and monolingual Spanish Hispanic preschool pupils. The finding support the reliability, validity, and stability of both editions as used as well as the comparability…

The validity of the Student Study Time Survey was estimated in relationship to data from a student interview-criterion measure for 70 university students. It was concluded that this self-report form for determining the number of hours spent in study outside of class is a practical and reasonably accurate measure. (Author/BS)

Reviews existing definitions of childhood depression and their implications for diagnosis. Evaluates better known self-report inventories, parent rating scales, psychiatric interviewing schedules, and peer nomination techniques. Addresses diagnostic issues associated with reliability, validity, consistency across raters, settings, and time and…

Examines the CUNY-WAT program and questions many aspects of it, especially the choice and phrasing of topics. (FL)

The Learning Style Questionnaire is a new 40-item semantic differential rating scale designed to assess individual learning styles within an experiential learning model. It was administered to 543 undergraduates. Results indicated acceptable reliability. Least squares factor analysis supported its construct validity. (Author/GDC)

Addresses the issue of what intelligence tests really measure and for what purpose and which populations. Examines the role of intelligence testing within the larger mental retardation evaluation process, looking at this phenomenon from both the historical and contemporary perspectives. (Author/ABB)

Findings indicate Type A behavior was related in preschoolers to ratings of aggression and impatience, but not to intelligence. Reaction times of Type B children who worked without a time limit and an incentive were significantly longer than those of Type A children and those of Type B children who worked with a time limit and an incentive.…

Two tests of critical thinking (the Cornell Critical Thinking Test and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal) were evaluated by a panel of psychologists relative to the validity, reliability, and error of measurement standards stated in the "Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests," 1974. (PN)

The Play Rating Scale was developed to observe young children's behaviors in four different areas of play: physical, block, manipulative, and dramatic. In each area, observations focus on frequency, ability, and creativity in communicating ideas; social levels of participation; and leadership capability. A total of 2,400 three-, four- and…

Explains how tables of specifications (used in estabishing content validity) and item analysis (a modificatin of item difficulty) can readily be used by the classroom teacher to design well-balanced tests. (HOD)