An approach to test interpretation which involves the selected use of scale items is presented. Examples are given where such item utilization could have appreciable effects upon the conclusions reached in vocational counseling. (Author)

Presents the procedures, results, and conclusions of a study designed to determine the feasibility of using a test consisting of a composite of different taxonomic items to evaluate instructional outcomes in elementary science. Subjects were a random selection of 9 pupils of high ability and 9 pupils of average ability from each of grades 2-5 in a…

The standard error of an equipercentile equating is derived for four situations. Some numerical results are checked by Monte Carlo methods. Numerical standard errors are computed for two sets of real data. Standard errors of linear and equipercentile equating are compared. (Author)

An experimental instrument to assess reading performance on the Optacon (a machine converting words to tactile stimuli) was pilot tested with 12 visually handicapped Optacon readers (11 to 18 years old). Subtests measuring letter and word recognition and reading rate were satisfactorily reliable, but the subtest measuring literal comprehension was…

A study was conducted (1) to develop an easily and efficiently administered diagnostic instrument for measuring young children's preferences for play materials and (2) to establish the reliability of the instrument. A Piagetian theoretical framework was employed in the construction of the Play-Materials Preference Inventory for preschool children.…

Describes the development and validation of a measure of attitudinal, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of vocational maturity for educationally and economically "disadvantaged" adults who experience delayed career development. Presents evidence for the measure's reliability, content, and construct validity, including its performance in a…

Describes how the Longview (Washington) public schools and Washington State University faculty developed a procedure involving a test essay to screen job applicants for writing skills. Concludes that problems exist in finding applicants with the necessary writing skills and that the tests generated uneasiness among the existing staff. (Author/RW)

A methodology of computing prescribed point biserial correlation coefficients and then evaluating the coefficients with respect to three criteria was developed. It can be used to assess the item convergent validity of nonobjectively scored test items. (Author/PN)

Argues that multiple choice tests can be effective only if the items are written in a format suitable for testing the mastery of specific instructional objectives. Proposes the use of nonrestrictive test items and cites examples of such items. (FL)

Development of a student evaluation system for two preclinical dental laboratory courses is described. The system uses an analytic technique for identifying components of the evaluation system that contribute to and detract from the evaluation's reliability. Further refinements based on this technique are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The Test of Syntactic Abilities, a screening and diagnostic battery designed for deaf students 10 to 19 years old, is described and a computerized version of it is said to make it easier to use and interpret. (CL)

Presents a test that teaches test-taking strategies and that can be used to reduce students' test anxiety. (AEA)

The effectiveness of testing instruments for field dependence-independence in spatial-visual ability in children is questioned, since they may not measure the same dimensions as those for older children and adults. The effects of training on performance of spatial-visual tasks are discussed, with a warning to monitor training programs carefully.…

The article presents translations of Chinese college entrance examinations in the fields of politics, Chinese language and literature, mathematics, humanities, physics, chemistry, history, geography, and English. Translations are also presented of the 1979 review syllabus for 1979 for the same subject areas. (DB)

Four studies using 12 sample groups culminated in a Depth of Delinquency Index for use in evaluations of juvenile treatment programs. This index was deemed suitable for trial use in program evaluations and research related to groups of juvenile delinquents, but not for individual diagnostic purposes. (Author/GK)