A study considered the validity of portions of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (MCDI) for 50 pediatric cochlear implant users (ages 1-6) who exceeded the age ranges for which these inventories were normed. Results indicate MCDI scores plus age could be used to obtain Reynell Developmental Language Scales scores. (Contains…

The validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test reading comprehension section is examined in light of recent research finding that students who had not read the related passages were able to answer comprehension questions on a better than chance basis. The roles of prior knowledge and general verbal skills in reading comprehension are emphasized. (DB)

The study with 497 majority and 82 minority medical students found that grade point averages for undergraduate science courses and a composite Medical College Admissions test score based on science and reading subtests were both valid and equally predictive of scores on the National Board of Medical Examiners Examination, Part I. (Author/DB)

Reviews risk assessment procedures and instruments used by child protection agencies. Discusses methodological deficiencies that limit the utility of instruments in predicting abusive behavior. Offers suggestions regarding the use of risk assessment in various decisions made during the course of child protection investigations. (BG)

Self-regulation of agencies administering professional licensing and certification tests is questioned on social and legal grounds. Topics include test validity concerns of applicants, extension of "truth in testing" legislation, explicitness of standards, and whether construct validity should be the primary requirement for selecting a…

The major response sets that can adversely affect the validity and usefulness of trait scales are briefly described. Using data from 228 college students, representative response set measures were then used to assess the degree to which scores on 4 of the Chapman Scales are determined by content-irrelevant factors. (TJH)

Increasingly neuropsychologists are under pressure, particularly in child custody and personal injury litigation, to justify the validity of the tests upon which their assessments are based. Reviews research on the validity of clinical opinions based on tests and concludes that test scores must be used in conjunction with life history and current…

Examined neuropsychological performance of 65 emotionally disturbed students on Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery: Form I (LNNB) and Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery: Children's Revision (LNNB-C). Results indicated that approximately 42 percent of younger group (99-154 months) and 38 percent of older group (156-226 months)…

This review focuses on use of DINE nutrient analysis methodology, within educational settings, where nutritional behavior was the primary outcome variable. Studies are reported which relate to nutrient analysis variance, validity and reliability studies, and pilot and modification studies for use with special populations and situations. (IAH)

Comparisons were made of intelligence and developmental quotients for young autistic children (n=216) at initial assessment and reassessment at least two years later. Five-year follow-up data were then gathered to evaluate the relationship between stability of scores and age at initial assessment, severity of delay, and type of test. (Author/PB)

Examined relationship between Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES) with low socioeconomic status caregivers of preschool children (N=136). Correlations revealed that the PSI and F-COPES measured relatively independent constructs. Findings also suggest that passive appraisal is related…

Compared the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJTCA) score profiles of different cultural groups, using 442 White and 435 non-White subjects drawn from the kindergarten through grade 12 subset of WJTCA standardization data. Determined that data allowed for classification of the subtests by both curve and cultural effects criteria.…

Examination of the construct validity of Guglielmino's Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale points toward dislike of learning as the cause of low scores. High scores seem to result from positive attitudes toward learning in general and not specifically self-directed learning. Further studies are needed to distinguish between readiness for…

Examined reliability and validity of Perceived Quality of Academic Life (PQAL) instrument with data collected from 218 midwestern commuter college students. Extended existing research by studying PQAL scores as predictors of intent to remain in college. Findings showed that the PQAL was reliable, valid, and predictive of future intent to obtain a…

Administered predictor battery of cognitive ability, perceptual-psychomotor ability, temperament/personality, interest, and job outcome preference measures to enlisted soldiers in nine Army jobs. Cognitive and perceptual-psychomotor scores provided best prediction of job-specific and general task proficiency. Findings suggest that Army can improve…