Five short forms of the revised edition of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised were compared for use with an inpatient population. Results with 110 psychiatric inpatients are discussed in terms of trade-offs among administration time, accuracy of IQ estimation, and the clinical value of obtaining scores from the full test. (SLD)

Computer-assisted and paper-and-pencil-administered formats for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventories were investigated. Subjects were 32 master's and doctoral-level counseling students. Findings indicated that the two formats were comparable and that students preferred the computer-assisted format. (AEF)

Describes a study of freshman science majors (n=50) that explores the role of higher-order cognitive skills examinations in identifying misconceptions in chemistry. Discusses the use of such examinations in remediation via appropriate modification of teaching strategies. Contains 37 references. (DDR)

Evaluated the structural equivalence and differential item functioning of an employee attitude survey from a large international corporation across three languages, eight cultures, and two mediums of administration. Results for 40,595 employees show the structure of survey data was consistent and items functioned similarly across all groups. (SLD)

Disentangled sources of differential item functioning (DIF) in a multilanguage assessment for which multiple factors were expected to be causing DIF. Data for the Third International Mathematics and Science study for four countries and two languages (3,000 to 11,000 cases in each comparison group) reveal amounts and sources of DIF. (SLD)

Eight subtests were selected from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Third Edition (WISC-III) to make a short form for clinical use. Results with the 2,200 children from the WISC-III standardization sample indicated the adequate reliability and validity of the short form for clinical use. (SLD)

Studied the reactions to video-based and reading comprehension tests of 105 African American and 361 Caucasian applicants for state trooper positions and the impact the reactions had on the construct measured by the test. Results show relatively favorable impressions of both tests. Perceptions of examinees regarding selection procedures did not…

Studied whether differential item functioning (DIF) in translated verbal items could be reduced or eliminated by revising these items. Results for six sections of an Israeli college admission test translated from Hebrew to Russian show that revisions can reduce DIF considerably. Discusses costs of the revision process. (SLD)

Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire with a "don't know" response added was administered to 202 undergraduates (half using the new format), 44 undergraduates (with instruction on memory and aging), and 49 older and 41 younger adults. The new format resulted in more correct answers. Instruction resulted in fewer "don't know" responses. Younger…

Studied descriptive measurement reliability and validity of scores from the newly developed Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) for class and test with a sample of 302 Australian high school students. Results provide some evidence for the psychometric properties of the MSES in both contexts, but there is evidence of failure to counterbalance…

A study examined the interactive effects of accounting students' language background (English as a first or second language) and test item format on test scores. Items on the same material were in four formats: multiple choice quantitative, multiple choice theoretical, open-ended quantitative, and open-ended essay questions. (Author/MSE)

Outlines the importance of essay tests as a method of learning and discovery. Suggests ways of helping students approach essay questions, how to determine what information is necessary for a complete answer, and how to fulfill those requirements. (KEH)

Two experiments with 254 and 76 undergraduates, respectively, investigated the hypothesis that there would be an effect of questions concerning application of concepts only when there was an interval between study and test. Results confirm the hypothesis regarding application questions inserted in text read by undergraduates. (TJH)

Explored rehabilitation clients' (N=75) perceptions of Microcomputer Evaluation and Screening Assessment (MESA). Results showed clients experienced greater enjoyment, but more difficulty, learning how to complete computer exercises than hardware exercises but viewed computer exercises instructions as easier to understand. Observed differences in…

Presents a practical oral testing model that fits speaking tests into the syllabus and course grade, links teaching and testing approaches, tests interactive and individual performance, uses new and old materials, and compares impromptu and prepared performance. (Author/CB)