Discusses gender differences apparent in British public examination entry patterns and outcomes. Questions whether examinations should be designed for equal outcomes and the assumption that assessment techniques may differentially affect performances of males and females. Argues that because other factors such as different experiences and…

Results of a reanalysis of previously published data (B. M. Byrne, 1989) support the correlated uniqueness model, diagnostic tests of the validity of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), multitrait multimethod (MTMM) solutions, inclusion of external validity in MTMM design, and application of factorial invariance to test stability of CFA-MTMM…

This overview offers a perspective on the distinguishing characteristics, past and present, of the learning disabilities field in the United States. The discussion focuses on why an advocacy movement has been necessary and emphasizes the need to establish clinical and scientific validation of learning disabilities, to preserve the hard-won…

A method is presented to use school-level attributes in sample description and random assignment of schools to conditions in drug prevention programs. Utility of archival data was examined using multivariate canonical techniques, and it was found that a small set of data could predict observed variations in drug use. (SLD)

Describes a nontraditional technique for identifying gifted African American children. Defining giftedness from an African culture-centered perspective is discussed. The Gifted Children Locator for Parents and a version for teachers are presented as behavioral-observational interview rating scales. Studies with 64 and 284 children support validity…

This paper describes content analysis as a data analysis technique useful for examining written or verbal communication within early intervention. The article outlines the use of referential or thematic recording units derived from interview data, identifies procedural guidelines, and addresses issues of rigor and validity. (Author/JDD)

A review of data collection methods used in 39 studies of interlanguage pragmatics, focusing on the validity of different types of data resulting from discourse completion, role play, observation of authentic speech, and multiple approaches, concludes that caution is needed in determining the true validity of the collected data. (72 references)…

A study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine evaluated the predictive value of the rank list generated in evaluating applicants for a surgery residency. Rough rankings computed directly from ratings of applicants were found to be more predictive of first year residents' performance than faculty's final rankings…

Presents three studies on development of Scientist-Practitioner Inventory (SPI) designed to measure career specialty interests of psychology students. Reports factorial validity of scales, test-retest reliability, freedom from response-set biases, and construct validity; cross-validation evidence of second-order factor structure, internal…

The appropriateness of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) was investigated with 199 youngsters with dual diagnosis of mental retardation and psychiatric disturbance. With some cautions, the ABC is recommended, based on the robustness of its factor structure, clinically meaningfulness of the subscale scores, and internal consistency of the…

The Behavior Evaluation Scale-2 was designed to identify students in grades K-12 with behavior disorders/emotional disturbance. It measures five dimensions: learning problems, interpersonal difficulties, inappropriate behavior, unhappiness/depression, and physical symptoms/fears. This paper describes the instrument's administration, summation of…

The Early Screening Inventory is designed to identify English- or Spanish-speaking children, ages 4-6, who may need special education services. The instrument measures the ability to acquire new skills in the areas of visual-motor/adaptive, language/cognition, and gross-motor/body-awareness. This paper describes administration, summation of data,…

KeyMath Revised was devised as a power test for use with students from kindergarten through grade 9. The test is divided into three dimensions: basic concepts, operations, and applications. This paper describes the test's administration, summation of data, standardization, reliability, and validity. (JDD)

The Test of Practical Knowledge seeks to measure students' skills to handle everyday life situations by assessing three domains: personal knowledge, social knowledge, and occupational knowledge. This paper describes the administration of the test to students in grades 8 to 12, the summation of data, interpretation of scores, standardization,…

Investigated construct validity of Behavior Intervention Rating Scale (BIRS) to develop instrument to measure teachers' perceptions of treatment acceptability and perceived effectiveness of classroom interventions. Oblique factor analysis revealed three factors (Acceptability, Effectiveness, Time of Effect). Correlational analysis demonstrated…