This paper responds to a 1992 study in which it was argued that the structure of intelligence in adults with severe mental retardation deviates from Greenspan's model, in which social and practical intelligence form separate factors. Application of confirmatory factor analysis to the original correlation matrix found the Greenspan model to be…

This paper discusses inconsistencies in Greenspan and McGrew's argument that confirmatory, rather than exploratory, factor analysis should be utilized in testing Greenspan's model of adaptive intelligence in adults with severe mental retardation. It is argued that problems with the data set should be addressed through further research rather than…

The measurement of the performance of schools is complicated by the need to adjust for differences in input mixes. Schools may have a differential effect on the performance of different types of pupils. Rather than a single performance indicator, a system of indicators is needed. Characteristics of a good indicator system are identified. (KDP)

This study assessed, in a naturalistic setting, the facilitated communication abilities of seven adolescents with moderate/severe mental retardation who used facilitated communication to communicate at levels previously thought beyond their intellectual abilities. Results revealed a large degree of guiding by facilitators. For some students,…

Two studies involving 89 children were conducted to evaluate the validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) with African American students undergoing special education evaluations. Results were highly correlated with previously determined IQs, and the factor structure of the WISC-III was generally supported.…

The posthumous condemnation of Cyril Burt destroyed his reputation and undermined his life's work on the genetic nature of differences in intelligence. Whether Burt falsified research findings or not, the real significance of the affair lies in what it teaches about scientific methodology and the fallibility of personal judgments. (SLD)

Compared 16 disruptive preadolescent boys with symptoms of attention deficit (AD) to 16 disruptive boys without attention deficit (DIS) and 16 controls (CO) using Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT). Found AD group was significantly distinct (had lower score) in comparison to DIS and CO on color-word score. ADs showed more hesitations on color-word…

This article presents the case of a seven-year-old autistic child who, with the use of facilitated communication, appeared to report being sexually abused. Assessment activities of the Hennepin County (Minnesota) Child Protection Agency are recounted. The article concludes that such charges made with facilitated communication should not be…

Reliability and construct validity of observer ratings on the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) were evaluated in a sample of 101 college students and the observations of 2 people who knew each student. Results document the strong internal consistency of each scale and a factor structure replicating previous findings. (SLD)

Development of an alternate form of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test is described. Reliability analysis with 449 children of differing racial/ethnic backgrounds showed good reliability and comparable predictive validity. The alternate form is a promising research tool. (SLD)

Reports on a series of tests made to determine whether a correlation exists between modes of testing and the ability of Russian language students to place stress correctly. Contrary to the hypothesis, it was found that a significant variation did occur in the results obtained both for test type and test modality. (16 references) (MDM)

Psychometric properties of a Goals Inventory developed to measure learning and performance goal orientations were investigated with 187 undergraduates. The instrument was shown to be internally consistent and reliable over time, with a high degree of convergent and divergent validity, well suited for measurement with adults. (SLD)

An investigation was conducted to determine whether differential predictive validity, as detected in previous studies, exists for a recent sample of 3,703 college students. Results confirmed that the phenomenon still exists. For women, but not minorities, the difference in predictive validity appears related to course selection. (SLD)

This article summarizes data regarding the use of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) in a universal newborn screening program and describes various facets of program implementation. It concludes that data show that TEOAE can be used to significantly reduce the average age of identification for hearing loss in the U.S. (Author/DB)

The implications for educational and employment testing of recent measurement, social, and policy issues are compared and contrasted. Changes are proposed relative to technical conceptualization of assessment, an increased focus on performance-based evaluation, and expanded expectations and uses of assessment. (SLD)