Within the beta-binomial Bayesian framework, procedures are described for the evaluation of the kappa index of reliability on the basis of one administration of a domain-referenced test. Major factors affecting this index include cutoff score, test score variability and test length. Empirical data which substantiate some theoretical trends deduced…

A number of different reliability coefficients have recently been proposed for tests used to differentiate between groups such as masters and nonmasters. One promising index is the proportion of students in a class that are consistently assigned to the same mastery group across two testings. The present paper proposes a single test administration…

The analysis of variance model for estimating reliability in norm referenced tests is extended to criterion referenced tests. The essential modification is that the criterion or cut-off score is substituted for the population mean. An example and discussion are presented. (JKS)

Examines reliability of test scores for the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Rating Scale (PDDRS), a screening instrument used in the assessment of autistic disorder. The results indicated that coefficient alpha for the PDDRS Total Score was adequate for screening purposes for both age groups studied. The results of the test-retest study also…

Presents the psychometric properties of the Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Research Version (YQOL-R) conceptual module. Item and factor analyses confirmed the hypothesized conceptual model derived from previous qualitative research. The scales of the YQOL-R showed acceptable internal consistency, reproducibility, expected associations with other…

Investigates validity of the Suicide Assessment Checklist (SAC) in a sample of 1,969 admissions to a psychiatric emergency crisis center. Supporting construct related validity, total score differences were found in the expected directions as a function of referral reason. Convergent validity was based on observed correlations between selected SAC…

Notes that presbycusis, hearing loss associated with aging, may be marked by a second dimension of hearing loss, a loss in vocalic sensitivity. Reports on the development of the Vocalic Sensitivity Test, which controls for the verbal elements in speech while also allowing for the vocalics to exercise their normal metacommunicative function of…

Provides an approach for selecting and evaluating both group and individually administered standardized tests of reading. Reviews considerations of the quality of test development; test content; test reliability and validity; and concerns of cost and time investment. Presents sample ratings of two common instruments. (RS)

Examined test-retest stability of Behavior Rating Profile for students grades l-12 (N=198), parents (N=212), and teachers (N=176) on 3 norm-referenced scales. Found Teacher Rating scale reliable across all grades for screening and eligibility, Parent Rating scale reliable for Grade 3-12 screening and Grade 3-6,ll, and l2, eligibility. Found…

Issues arising from difference scores with zero reliability that nevertheless allow a powerful test of change are discussed. Issues include the appropriateness of underlying statistical models for psychological data and the relationship between difference scores and power. Increases in reliability always increase power for a fixed effect size.…

Introduces Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (SB4) as an attempt to revitalize Stanford-Binet by maintaining links with previous editions while simultaneously incorporating more recent developments found in other popular tests of intelligence. Discusses the SB4's theoretical foundation, materials and administration, scaling,…

Found that faulty test procedures may explain why infants sometimes locate hidden objects more easily in multiple-well tests than in two-well trials. Also found that errors in seven-well tests were not evenly distributed but occurred disproportionately in the direction of the previously correct well, suggesting that memory and inhibition are both…

Investigates the use of "vague quantifiers" (terms such as "often,""sometimes,""rarely," or "never") in communication research. Finds that these words do not always mean the same thing to different people, and thus may not constitute interval scales. Suggests that research outcomes based upon such…

Multidimensional scaling was applied to Women-in-General (n=300) and Men-in-General (n=300) samples of the Strong Interest Inventory. Participants were matched on occupational title, obtaining two-dimensional solutions that demonstrated gender differences in the underlying structure of vocational interests. (SK)

In a national survey of 2,963 professional women, the Trauma Symptom Checklist was found to be reliable and to display predictive validity in regard to childhood sexual victimization. Women who reported a sexual abuse history scored significantly higher than did women with no such history on each of the six subscales. (Author/DB)