A modification of the method of reciprocal averages for scaling multiple choice data is proposed. The proposed method handles the data in a piecewise fashion and allows for faster convergence to a solution. (Author/JKS)

Two lower bounds to reliability in classical test theory, Guttman's lamda and Cronbach's alpha, are shown to be terms of an infinite series of lower bounds. All terms of this series are equal to reliability if and only if the test contains items which are tau-equivalent. (Author/JKS)

Simulated data based on five test score distributions indicate that a slight modification of the asymptotic normal theory for the estimation of the p and kappa indices in mastery testing will provide results which are in close agreement with those based on small samples from the beta-binomial distribution. (Author/BW)

Data showed high reliability for all nine syntactic structures and total screen scores. Reliability remained high when results were examined for different hearing loss categories. There was a significant decrease in scores across these hearing loss categories but a marked increase in the discriminating power of the screens. (Author/CL)

Aims to help instructors make more valid test questions, particularly multiple-choice ones. Emphasis is placed on multiple-choice questions to show the wealth of opportunities they offer for testing because of their uses, objectivity, and ease of grading. Discusses test scheduling, construction, and evaluation and follow-up. (CT)

An alternative derivation was given of Gaylord's formulas showing the relationships among the average item intercorrelation, the average item-test correlation, and test reliability. Certain parallels were also noted in analysis of variance and principal component analysis. (Author)

Reliability maximizing weights are related to theoretically specified true score scaling weights to show a constant relationship that is invariant under separate linear tranformations on each variable in the system. Test theoretic relations should be derived for the most general model available and not for unnecessarily constrained models.…

The dependence of reliability indices for mastery tests on mean and cutoff scores was examined in the case of three decision-theoretic indices. Dependence of kappa on mean and cutoff scores was opposite to that of the proportion of correct decisions, which was linearly related to average threshold loss. (Author/BW)

This paper reports a test-retest study of the Junior Eysenck Personality Inventory for 257 children, ages 7-16, receiving psychological services in a British Columbia public health facility. Findings support the test author's claims over a 30-day period of relative score stability on extraversion and neuroticism. (Author/SJL)

The article is a response to R. Maggiore's article "Reliability of Proposed Short Form of Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA)." The authors present evidence to rebut Maggiore's essentially negative conclusions regarding the reliability of the short form test. (For original paper, see EJ 194 153.) (Author/PHR)

Older adults (n=35) completed the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT); 44 completed both the MMDT and the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test. Reliability and validity of the MMDT were supported. There was high correlation between the two tests. (SK)

The test-retest reliability of colored filter testing in relation to two symptom levels of dyslexia was evaluated using a forced-choice test procedure. Two tests, separated by two weeks, were conducted with 41 participants (ages 15 to 17). Results indicated poor test-retest reliability. (Author/DB)

Discusses problems in using traditional measures of reliability for criterion-referenced tests (CRTs) and describes two approaches to reliability for CRTs: estimates sensitive to all measures of error; and estimates of consistency in test outcome. Compares the two approaches and proposes recommendations for interpretation and use. (Author/LRW)

Compares detection rates of the Referral Decision Scale (RDS) with a short, officer-administered booking questionnaire at a low capacity jail. Although RDS produced a higher number of false positives, it correctly identified more mentally ill inmates than did the booking procedure. Results suggest that combining both instruments may provide the…

Tests the properties of a Spanish version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales III (FACES III) in a Spanish sample. Confirmatory factor analyses replicated the factor structure of the original American version. Reliability coeffecients were higher for the cohesion than the adaptability scale. Convergent and discriminant validity was…