Suggests that the key issue in the evaluation problem scenario is not so much an ethical problem as it is a strategic problem. The evaluator needs to be educator, change agent, and organizational development practitioner to make this evaluation a success. (SLD)

Briefly outlines problems associated with definition and official certification of suicide and reviews literature pertaining to validity and reliability of suicide statistics. Considers process of suicide certification as a test, estimating its sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value, using data from studies reviewed. (NB)

Probabilistic risk assessment has been promoted within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a means of judging risk to the public and of determining regulatory measures. Interviews with engineers and other technically trained personnel reveal the difficulties created by expectations that this form of assessment should be applied. (TJH)

Presents shortcomings of using Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI), especially problems with using it in counseling so that prospective users realize responsibilities for evaluation they need to accept if they experiment with it in their practice. Concludes there is not justification for substituting MBTI for instruments or counseling methods that…

Describes role of inadequate construct definition in the current problems involving measurement of counseling performance and suggests potential responses for improving measurement capability. Identifies primary task at hand to be deciding upon and describing constructs to measure. (Author/NB)

Presents and discusses five issues affecting assessment with diverse populations: (1) "Quest for the golden label;" (2) "Three musketeers;" (3) "Horizontal research;" (4) "Bias is bias;" and (5) "I'm okay, you're not." Defines each issue and offers recommendations for resolution. Suggests that issues are not independent. (CRR)

Conducted studies using two perspectives for obtaining evidence relevant to validity of autobiographical data. In Study 1, construct validity of standard psychological constructs (assertiveness, trustworthiness) obtained from autobiographies was equal to that of standard instruments designed to assess these constructs. Evidence for validity of…

Discusses the evaluation of student publications from the author's various perspectives as adviser, teacher, judge, and press association director. (SR)

Discusses difficult aspects of the evaluation of student publications, in which the judge's analysis is often pitted against the adviser's aspirations for praise. (SR)

Maintains that scholastic press associations must listen to their advisers, students, and judges to make sure the evaluation service is meeting needs. (SR)

Notes that, although consultation researchers and practitioners have called attention to need for more psychometrically sound instruments, little advancement has occurred in this area. Outlines key quantitative and qualitative psychometric standards for organizational consultation assessment and evaluation instruments. Presents framework and…

Responds to article by Horan, Hanish, Keen, Saberi, and Hird (1993) criticizing Howard and Curtin's (1993) study of productivity and impact in counseling psychology and offering different version of productivity study. Contends that Horan et al.'s questioning of Howard and Curtin's methodological decisions is unfounded and at variance with facts…

Examines some issues raised in Gavin and Wamboldt's (1992) recent study on Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS). Discusses unresolved concerns regarding validity and utility of FOS and unsubstantiated and potentially misleading claims made by Gavin and Wamboldt. Makes case for conceptual and methodological precision in study of family phenomena.…

Describes factors that may bias psychoeducational decision making and discusses three heuristic principles that affect decision making. Discusses means by which school psychologists can be made aware of these heuristic principles and encouraged to consider them when making psychoeducational decisions. Also discusses methods by which bias in…

Question dimensions, construction, and response formats of 50 reactionnaire forms completed by participants in medical school programs were analyzed. Numerous problems in 30 forms and shortcomings in 20 others were identified. Ways to improve layout, appearance, anonymity protection, and questions were suggested. (Contains 53 references.) (SK)