The study, comparing 27 pairs of mildly mentally retarded students and normal achievers (ages 6-8), found that mentally retarded subjects evidenced lower performance on experimental oddity problems but were able to generalize to very different oddity arrays. High levels of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive accuracy, and negative…

Two studies assessed the relation between anxiety and cognitive task performance in 11- to 13-year-old New Zealand children. Contrasting predictions were tested from a cognitive-attentional model and a risk-factor model. Results showed that only the predictions taken from the risk factor model were supported, and only for the girls. (SH)

Three problems affecting the use of a modified scree test in analyzing Delphi survey data are discussed: (1) the adequacy of the criterion; (2) the complexity of decision making; and (3) the nature of the Delphi panel. Using the modified scree test with these considerations in mind is suggested. (SLD)

Using a Monte Carlo simulation, a bootstrap procedure was evaluated for setting a confidence interval on the unrestricted population correlation (rho) assuming various degrees of incomplete truncation on the predictor. Sample size was the most important factor in determining accuracy and stability. Sample size should be at least 50. (SLD)

Statistical analyses of scores on subtests of the Intelligence Test for Visually Impaired Children were done for two groups of children, either with or without usable vision. Results suggest that the battery has differential factorial and predictive validity. (Author/DB)

Discussion of models for library circulation data highlights a new statistical prediction model that creates a flexible regression curve. Linear graphs that result from previous models are discussed, bivariate discrete distributions are explained, and graphs that show library circulation for one year at a time are presented. (nine references) (LRW)

This study, involving 54 first-grade children, found that correlations between decoding and phonological awareness were generally much higher than correlations obtained for measures of decoding and verbal and nonverbal intelligence. Several phonological awareness tasks identified good and poor decoders, with approximately 80-90% accuracy. (DB)

Assesses Adolescent Concerns Evaluation (ACE), an instrument that has the potential to identify youths who are at risk of running away. Preliminary evidence suggests that ACE is a reliable tool and it may help social workers determine treatment goals and measure treatment progress in their work with runaway youths. (Author/JDM)

Examines two samples of students classified as learning disabled (LD) for evidence of the phenomenon known as the Flynn effect (FE). Results indicate that the FE does affect Wechsler IQ and component scores of students classified as LD. Suggests that LD classification may be substantially impacted by the FE over the life of an IQ test version.…

Among the various tests employed in personnel selection, handwriting analysis, or graphology, has enjoyed long-standing international popularity despite being highly contentious. This report contains not only an evaluation of the current published scientific reviews on the use of graphology in personnel selection, but also an evaluation of several…

Prevention research on the related problems of child abuse, youth violence, and domestic violence has grown at an accelerating pace in recent years. In this context, a set of shared methodological issues has emerged as investigators seek to advance the interpersonal violence prevention knowledge base. This article considers some of the persistent…

This study investigated the mediating effects of learning a memory strategy on second-graders' performance of a memory task and their self-efficacy for the task. Specifically, second-graders were taught a strategy for organizing words into categories to increase their ability to remember lists of words. Their predictions of how many words they…

Because problem-solving appraisal has been demonstrated to be a critical variable in psychological adjustment, this study examined its potential role as both a static and dynamic client attribute influencing the process and outcome of career counseling. Participants were 151 adults who received an average of five sessions of naturally occurring…

The present study was conducted to determine whether combining the results of multiple actuarial risk scales increases accuracy in predicting sex offender recidivism. Multiple methods of combining 4 validated actuarial risk scales--the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide, the Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide, the Rapid Risk Assessment for Sexual…

This study examined the relationship between psychosocial well-being and a multicultural personality disposition in undergraduates (N = 124). Measures of universal-diverse orientation, hardiness, psychosocial-interpersonal functioning, self-esteem, and political correctness ideology were administered. Results indicated that the multicultural…