Bayesian estimation procedures based on a hierarchical model for estimating parameters in the Rasch model are described. It is shown that the Bayesian procedures result in estimates with superior statistical characteristics. (Author/JKS)

Four methods of item bias detection--transformed item difficulty, item discrimination expressed as Clemans' lambda, chi-square, and the three-parameter item characteristic curve--were studied to determine the degree of correspondence among them in identifying biased and unbiased items in reading and mathematics subtests of the 1978 SRA Achievement…

Findings on alternative procedures for evaluating measures of achievement in individual data packages at the National Assessment of Educational Progress are presented with their methodological implications. The need for secondary analysts to be aware of the organization of the data, and positive and negative features are discussed. (Author/CM)

The types of comments students make in an end-of-course evaluation were examined and compared with those identified in earlier studies on the ideal teacher. Congruent validity of such comments were documented with overall ratings of instructor/course quality as measured by fixed alternative items. (Author/GK)

Critiques the Jackson Vocational Interest Survey. Found the randomized technique of matching statements into forced-choice item pairs is a major flaw in the instrument. Explores conceptual issues arising when item clustering is used with forced-choice statement matching. Introduces contingency validity in item construction. (R)

Cliff's Index "c" derived from an item dominance matrix is utilized in a clustering approach, termed extracting Reliable Guttman Orders (ERGO), to isolate Guttman-type item hierarchies. A comparison of factor analysis to the ERGO is made on social distance data involving multiple ethnic groups. (Author/BW)

A series of item analyses of the Concept Assessment Kit Conservation (Goldschmid) conducted for a sample of educable mentally retarded children showed that the probability of a correct response differed from task to task. Evidence indicated that the order of difficulty of the tasks resembled that for nonretarded children. (Author)

The Selected Marker Tests were examined for scoring problems and internal consistency and were administered orally to sixth and seventh graders. Scoring problems were discovered and changes were suggested. The problem was found to be item reliability rather than interrater reliability. (Author/MH)

Common items, items which appear on several scales on psychological tests, are investigated in this study. It is concluded that the common item problem is not a serious one in personality measurement. (Author/JKS)

Discusses differences in results of factor analyses of ten diverse samples which have been studied using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Concludes that a single common factor structure accounts for the intercorrelations among NBAS items. (Author/BH)

The purpose of this investigation was to discover the relative rank order of efficiency of eight distractor categories in multiple-choice foreign language vocabulary tests. Type of test question used was clarified, types of distractors defined, selection process described, test design discussed, and resulting data tabulated and interpreted. (CHK)

Rebutting responses by Guglielmino, Long, and McCune to his earlier criticism of the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, Field reviews the effect of homogeneity in the scale's factor structure and of negatively phrased items and concludes that the scale does not measure readiness for self-directed learning. (SK)

The United States Employment Service Interest Inventory (USES-II), a self-report instrument that measures an individual's relative strength of interests in 12 broad occupational categories, was completed by 732 adult clients at a medical and vocational rehabilitation institution. Results strongly confirmed the 12-scale factor structure of the…

The Student Ideal form of the Adult Classroom Environment scale was administered to 449 adult students and a factor analysis performed. All but 15 of 49 items loaded clearly with a 5-factor orthogonal solution, partially supporting scale's 7 dimensions. A revised scale was administered to 287 students, and another factor analysis largely confirmed…