Categories of questionnaire response sets and the ability to interpret response differences as related to soliciting student attitudes. (DAG)

The results of 16 pairs of "equivalent papers" were used to estimate the reliability of the papers and the extent to which each paper correlated with the year's average test grade. Estimates were also made of the work of the grade for each paper as a predictor of true subject grades. It is shown that a "profile" of grades would mislead.…

Twelve children with Down's syndrome (ages 3-5 years) were tested six times over 2.5 months on three Piagetian infant search tasks. Results suggested that cognitive ability of this population may be poorly measured by single-session testing and that caution is necessary when using tests designed for and validated on younger, nonretarded subjects.…

Two major problems related to the identification of learning disabilities with individually administered achievement tests are discussed: (1) the appropriateness of standard versus developmental scores for determining the severity of discrepancy; and (2) the limitations of existing developmental score scales. Characteristics of the developmental…

High item discrimination can indicate a special kind of measurement disturbance via an item that gives high-ability persons a special advantage. The measurement disturbance is described, which occurs when an item is sensitive to individual differences on a second, undesired dimension that is correlated with the variable intended to be measured.…

This paper describes the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), the educator response to it, and its effect at the district and individual levels. Questions are raised regarding the implications that implementation of present policy have for future students and teachers in California. (MT)

Contends that one basic limitation of measurement techniques is that tests cannot measure unique characteristics, but only traits common to many people. Discusses limitations regarding intelligence, interest, and personality tests and concludes that test scores give us clues to be followed rather than definite measurements. (LLL)

The article reviews the origins of the intelligence testing movement in the U.S., discusses the difficulties inherent in measuring intelligence, and considers alternatives to current LD identification procedures. (CL)

Presents reliability and standard error of measurement figures for several combinations of ability and achievement measures. Discusses the rates and types of errors that occur when such scores are used to classify children as learning-disabled. Three recommendations for using difference scores are given. (BH)

A reward was hidden under the stimulus picture representing the correct answer to a comprehension task. Accuracy and test-retest reliability of the responses of 34 two year olds were measured. Effects of the rewarded search procedure varied, depending on sex and the language structure tested. (Author/CL)

The capacity of examinees to develop cue-using strategies was examined, and the results suggest that students profit from knowledge of a particular test constructor's idiosyncrasies. The findings also lend weight to the argument that performance on test wiseness items is cue-specific. (Author/BW)

Real and perceived misuses of educational tests, errors in test scoring and test use, and incidents of cheating on tests have been widely reported in local and national media. As educational tests take on additional importance for students, teachers, and schools, there is appropriate concern about the quality of assessments and the appropriate use…