A study compared the accuracy of experienced staff with a learning test in predicting the ability of 18 persons with mental retardation to learn 12 training tasks. Results found the Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities test was more accurate for predicting client performance than the assessments of experienced staff. (Author/CR)

This study compared four commonly used vocabulary tests to screen or identify preschool children for specific language impairment (SLI). Four- and five-year olds with (N=31) and without (N=31) SLI were compared on the tests. Despite moderate to strong inter-test correlations, no test was a strong identifier of SLI. (Author/DB)

Discusses issues of intimacy in qualitative research raised by Harry Wolcott's Brad trilogy in connection with Reba Page's use of the trilogy to teach about validity in interpretive research methods. Focuses on intimacy in research, relational reflexivity, power in relationships, relational ethics, evolutionary understandings of relationships, and…

The psychometric properties and validity of the Reasons for Living (RFL) Inventory were examined among psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents (N=253) identified as suicide ideators, suicide attempters, and psychiatric controls. Factor analysis provided support for RFL for clinical and research assessment while producing slightly different…

Investigated whether children's ability to recognize themselves in delayed video feedback indicates change in self awareness. Parallel results in both conditions studied, and the likelihood of false positives and false negatives indicate that the video test in its present form may not be a valid measure of differences in self-awareness. (Author)

Argues for the inclusion of assessment coursework as a necessary component in teacher education through a demonstration of the relationship between test validity and the law. Focuses on the seventh assessment competency listed in the Standards for Teacher Competence in Educational Assessment of Students: recognizing unethical, illegal, and…

A study examined the role of career maturity in the college persistence of 307 freshmen at a public, residential, four-year college. Results indicate that the My Vocational Situation instrument is reliable and valid, although theoretical formulations should be reexamined. Career maturity was positively associated with several variables important…

Examined whether the Teacher Concerns Questionnaire-Physical Education (TCQ-PE) was representative of concerns of British and Belgian preservice and inservice physical educators. Preservice and inservice secondary-level physical educators completed the TCQ-PE before and after student teaching. Neither Belgian nor British data predicted the TCQ-PE…

To assess the psychometric characteristics of the Verbal Behavior Assessment Scale, the 15-item questionnaire was administered to pairs of caregivers of 115 individuals with developmental disabilities. Exploratory factor analysis involving 11 more participants revealed evidence concerning the distinction of three different communicative functions…

This study examined dynamic assessment as a less biased evaluation procedure for assessing the language-learning ability of Native American young children (N=23) identified as either stronger or weaker language learners. Through a test-teach-test protocol, participants were taught principles of categorization. Results supported the further…

Discusses the importance of instructional design when developing learning activities that involve the use of technology. Topics include validity and value; supporting thinking processes; varied learning styles; learning plans; learning outcomes; teachers' roles; connecting experience and learning; outcome-based assessment; assessment tasks; and…

Reports the development and validation of video-based game-understanding tests in badminton for elementary and secondary students. The tests included different sequences that simulated actual game situations. Players had to solve tactical problems by selecting appropriate solutions and arguments for their decisions. Results suggest that the test…

The Procrastination Inventory developed for use with doctoral students in clinical psychology was modified for use with all-but-dissertation students and doctoral graduates in a college of education. Factor and Rasch analyses of the revised measure identified three subscales: (1) procrastination, (2) perfectionism, and (3) graduate school comfort.…

Used responses from open-ended interviews with 10 families of young children to develop a 60-item family literacy questionnaire examining families' perceptions of their contributions to emergent literacy. Matched questionnaire factors with those emerging from literature review on family variables influencing literacy. Found 95 percent agreement on…

The dimensionality of students' attitudes toward regular classroom activities and enrichment clusters were studied with 379 urban elementary school students using two instruments developed for the study. Analyses allowed examination of the construct validity of the scores from both measures while indicating that derived factors were not the same…