In judgmental standard setting experiments, it may be difficult to specify subjective probabilities that adequately take the properties of the items into account. As a result, these probabilities are not consistent with each other in the sense that they do not refer to the same borderline level of performance. Methods to check standard setting…

Investigates the effects of varying the placement of blanks and the number of options available in multiple-choice items on the reliability of fifth-grade students' scores. Results indicate that scores on three-choice item tests were not less reliable than scores on four-choice item tests. A similar finding was found regarding the placement of…

Proposes Vocabulary and Block Design as a two-subtest short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised; the addition of Arithmetic and Picture Arrangement provides a four-subtest short form of the scale. Presents tables giving Full Scale IQs for each of nine age groups for both short forms. (Author)

Two types of questionnaire formats' measuring leadership variables were examined: one with items measuring the same dimensions grouped together and the second with items measuring the same dimensions distributed randomly. The random condition showed superior convergent and discriminant validity, as assessed by multitrait-multimethod and analysis…

A quadratic curve test equating method for equating different test forms under a random-groups data collection design is proposed that equates the first three central moments of the test forms. When applied to real test data, the method performs as well as other equating methods. Procedures from implementing the test are described. (SLD)

Developed an Italian version of the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ-III) and studied the reliability and factorial validity of this translated instrument. Results show that the translated version has psychometric properties similar to those of the original English version. (SLD)

Study findings indicate that exposure to a statement on a true-false test increased college students' (N=64) tendency to believe the statement was true, regardless of whether the statement actually was true or false. In contrast to previous research, these findings support existence of a negative suggestion effect for true-false exams. (IAH)

Finds no evidence that the standard procedure for administering a spelling test (in which the examiner pronounces the word, uses it in a sentence, then pronounces it again) is any less effective than those utilizing additional visualization and vocalization components. (RS)

First-year college students (n=506) completed Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (J. Raven, J. Court, and J. Raven, 1988). Data were used to contribute to the normative database for American college students. A short form developed from 12 items of the original 36 was found to possess acceptable psychometric properties. (SLD)

Investigated the use of mathematical programming techniques to generate parallel test forms with passages and items based on item-response theory (IRT) using the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. Generated four parallel test forms from the item bank of almost 1,100 items. Comparison with human-generated forms supports the mathematical…

Question dimensions, construction, and response formats of 50 reactionnaire forms completed by participants in medical school programs were analyzed. Numerous problems in 30 forms and shortcomings in 20 others were identified. Ways to improve layout, appearance, anonymity protection, and questions were suggested. (Contains 53 references.) (SK)

Investigates the effects of text organization and response format on second language learners' performance on reading comprehension tests. Analyzes the results of reading comprehension tests that were delivered to Japanese University students. Found that text organization and test format had a significant impact on students' performance.…

Argues that the School Leaders Licensure Assessment required for administrator certification in several states promotes a narrow, mainstream concept of instructional leadership. (PKP)

Studied the reliability of a translation of the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire (OSIQ) (D. Offer and others, 1984) with 268 Finnish 13-year-olds, 83 of whom were tested a second time. Results support the reliability of the OSIQ for only four subscales. (SLD)

Studied whether a group's average percent correct in a content domain could be accurately estimated for groups taking a single test form and not the entire domain of items. Evaluated six Item Response Theory-based domain score estimation methods through simulation and concluded they performed better than observed score on the form taken. (SLD)