Children's conceptions of the emotions of guilt versus shame were investigated in 2 studies involving children ages 7 to 9 and 10 to 12. Age-related differences in conceptions of guilt and shame emerged. The older children understood the adaptive implications of both emotions, whereas the younger children perceived them more in terms of the…

This paper provides the basis for understanding score equating through item response theory (IRT). Theoretical justifications and practical advantages of IRT true-score test procedures are discussed. Three steps in the equating process are specified, and a self-test is included. (SLD)

Written feedback, placed on five students' reading assignments, was evaluated in a multiple baseline design across students. The outcomes indicated improved accuracy in reading when the feedback was provided by the teacher. Differences between previous research and the present study are discussed. (AMH)

A model-based modification of the standardization index based on a multidimensional item response theory bias modeling approach is presented that detects and estimates differential item functioning (DIF) (item bias) simultaneously for several items as well as differential test functioning (DTF). This SIBTEST procedure is tested through a computer…

The attitudes of Australian adults required to study a foreign language for a postgraduate degree were examined. Investigators reviewed the students' diaries, which they had been required to keep for 30 lessons. Problems of fear/anxiety, dependence, and loss of self-esteem are discussed. (17 references) (Author/LB)

The utility of item response theory (IRT) models in computerized adaptive tests is considered. Measurement questions that have been answered using IRT, and those that might be overlooked because of IRT, are reviewed. Areas in which fuller use of IRT could improve adaptive testing practices are identified. (SLD)

Measured the facial expressions, heart rate variability (HRV), and skin conductance of 37 third graders and 29 sixth graders while they viewed a film about a distressed child. Found that high HRV was predictive of children's sympathetic rather than distressed reactions and that, for boys, sympathetic responsiveness positively predicted a…

Suggests that student problem behaviors are best addressed through instruction; teacher-student interactions are the best arena for teaching social behaviors; and problem behaviors have the same social ends as desirable ones. Outlines steps for analyzing the child's desired outcome of problem behaviors, choosing replacement behaviors, and planning…

Considers how writing teachers, when faced with student writing that betrays sexist, racist, or homophobic sentiments, should respond. Addresses the difficulty of asserting moral imperatives in the light of current antifoundationalist theory. Argues for a reliance on a "necessary directionality" toward comprehensive moral truths. (HB)

Presents three studies on development of Scientist-Practitioner Inventory (SPI) designed to measure career specialty interests of psychology students. Reports factorial validity of scales, test-retest reliability, freedom from response-set biases, and construct validity; cross-validation evidence of second-order factor structure, internal…

A new test construction model based on the Rasch model is proposed. This model, the cluster-based method, considers groups of interchangeable items rather than individual items and uses integer programing. Results for six test construction problems indicate that the method produces accurate results in small amounts of time. (SLD)

Explored emotional states of dying patients, age, and family support. Findings from 26 terminally ill female cancer patients revealed that younger patients expressed more bargaining and complaints than older patients who revealed more depression and acceptance. Patients with immediate family support expressed less depression and more fears than…

Explores first graders' written responses to literature in dialogue journals, particularly what functions student and teacher responses serve, and what patterns of student response develop over time. Finds that journal writing offers potential for a wide variety of reader response functions. Notes an overemphasis on teacher questioning. (SR)

The feasibility of modeling performance on a three-dimensional rotation task within the context of item response theory was examined using 160 high school students. Eighty pairs of three-dimensional Shepard-Metzler figures were used. This approach to psychometric modeling, incorporating research results from cognitive science, appears workable.…

Combining Rasch and latent class models is presented as a way to overcome deficiencies and retain the positive features of both. An estimation algorithm is outlined, providing conditional maximum likelihood estimates of item parameters for each class. The model is illustrated with simulated data and real data (n=869 adults). (SLD)