Remarkability is introduced as a quantifiable attribute of given data and as a basis upon which one may rationally judge its scientific value. Applications of remarkability theory to various research and statistical problems and procedures are discussed. (DG)

The factorial invariance of a temperament questionnaire was studied using the data provided by 24 teachers of 564 kindergarten through fourth-grade children. A LISREL analysis supported the hypothesized three-factor model and established factorial invariance of the shortened version of a behavioral rating scale constructed by Thomas and Chess.…

Nine indices for assessing the accuracy of an individual's test score were evaluated using simulated item responses to a commercial and a classroom test. The indices appear capable of identifying relatively high proportions of examinees with spurious total scores. (Author/PN)

Initial assessments of the item characteristics, reliability, and validity of the Inquiry Mode Questionnaire (IMQ) are reported. The IMQ was developed by (Harrison and Bramson) to measure the characteristic thinking style of individuals on five major dimensions: synthesist, idealist, analyst, realist, and pragmatist. (Author/PN)

Three item selection methods for criterion-referenced tests are examined: the classical theory of item difficulty and item-test correlation; the latent trait theory of item characteristic curves; and a decision-theoretic approach for optimal item selection. Item contribution to the standardized expected utility of mastery testing is discussed. (CM)

Investigated item bias on six subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised for four sociocultural groups (N=950), Anglo, Black, Chicano, and Native American Papago (NAP). Results of statistical indexes indicated no or negligible bias against Blacks and Chicanos. Found evidence suggesting bias in some verbal scales with NAPs.…

Nonrestricted-answer, multiple-choice test items are recommended as a way of including more facts and fewer incorrect answers in test items, and they do not cue successful guessing as restricted multiple choice items can. Examination construction, scoring, and reliability are discussed. (MSE)

Responses to the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) were factor analyzed with children (N=4972) between 6 and 19 years. Three anxiety factors emerged that were consistent with earlier studies. Factor structure of the RCMAS is for the most part invariant with regard to race and sex. (Author)

Developed an instrument to measure levels of identity attainment in mid-life women. Established items for three categories: physical/biological identity, career identity, and interpersonal identity. Includes scales and a t-test. Data suggested an association between identity and various life circumstances. Demonstrates the reliability of the…

Item analyses of the responses of 54 high school wrestlers and 193 high school basketball players to the Leadership Scale for Sports support the instrument's applicability in high school sports. The scale taps highly similar response dimensions in varsity and high school athletes. (Author)

The reliability and validity of a priori estimates of item characteristics are assessed. Results suggest that judges can make a modest contribution to estimation prior to actual administration. (Author/GK)

Items from mathematics tests developed for Concepts in Secondary School Mathematics and Science (CSMS) program are examined for general dimensions to explain differences and similarities in facility within and across tests. (MP)

Presents results of a study developing and validating three nutrition achievement tests for grades K-6, in which 3,393 pupils who had previously received a minimum of eight hours nutrition education participated. Tests were designed to evaluate individual children's achievement or to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition education programs.…

Seven Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) items distinguish alcoholics in treatment from normals and psychiatric patients. These items have substantial face validity. MMPI scales developed as screening devices for alcoholism did not discriminate the alcoholics in treatment and the psychiatric patients as strongly as did these seven…