The dependence of reliability indices for mastery tests on mean and cutoff scores was examined in the case of three decision-theoretic indices. Dependence of kappa on mean and cutoff scores was opposite to that of the proportion of correct decisions, which was linearly related to average threshold loss. (Author/BW)

This paper reports a test-retest study of the Junior Eysenck Personality Inventory for 257 children, ages 7-16, receiving psychological services in a British Columbia public health facility. Findings support the test author's claims over a 30-day period of relative score stability on extraversion and neuroticism. (Author/SJL)

The article is a response to R. Maggiore's article "Reliability of Proposed Short Form of Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA)." The authors present evidence to rebut Maggiore's essentially negative conclusions regarding the reliability of the short form test. (For original paper, see EJ 194 153.) (Author/PHR)

Older adults (n=35) completed the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT); 44 completed both the MMDT and the Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test. Reliability and validity of the MMDT were supported. There was high correlation between the two tests. (SK)

The test-retest reliability of colored filter testing in relation to two symptom levels of dyslexia was evaluated using a forced-choice test procedure. Two tests, separated by two weeks, were conducted with 41 participants (ages 15 to 17). Results indicated poor test-retest reliability. (Author/DB)

Discusses problems in using traditional measures of reliability for criterion-referenced tests (CRTs) and describes two approaches to reliability for CRTs: estimates sensitive to all measures of error; and estimates of consistency in test outcome. Compares the two approaches and proposes recommendations for interpretation and use. (Author/LRW)

Compares detection rates of the Referral Decision Scale (RDS) with a short, officer-administered booking questionnaire at a low capacity jail. Although RDS produced a higher number of false positives, it correctly identified more mentally ill inmates than did the booking procedure. Results suggest that combining both instruments may provide the…

Tests the properties of a Spanish version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales III (FACES III) in a Spanish sample. Confirmatory factor analyses replicated the factor structure of the original American version. Reliability coeffecients were higher for the cohesion than the adaptability scale. Convergent and discriminant validity was…

Two studies were conducted to develop and examine internal consistencies and validate the Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale. Findings indicated good internal reliabilities for all 3 subscales. Adequate concurrent validity was established with length of residence in the United States. The scale also showed adequate convergent and…

T. Vacha-Haase (1998) proposed her "reliability generalization" methodology to characterize (a) typical score reliability for a measure across studies, (b) the variability of score reliabilities, and (c) what measurement protocol features predict the variability in score reliabilities across administration. The present article provides…

Investigated the reliability and validity of the Borg and OMNI rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scales in adolescent girls during treadmill exercise. Girls were randomly assigned to one of the RPE scales during various treadmill exercise conditions. Results indicated that the OMNI cycle pictorial scale was reliable and valid for use with…

The study examined the test-retest reliability in unaided and aided sound-field thresholds and the functional gain values derived from these measurements in 24 hearing-impaired adults. Test-retest standard deviations were slightly larger for functional gain than for unaided thresholds. (Author/DB)

A coefficient derived from communalities of test parts represents greatest lower bound to Guttman's "immediate retest reliability." Constrained minimum trace factor analysis allows a consistent estimate of the greatest defensible internal-consistency coefficient. In modest size samples, this analysis capitalizes on chance, suggesting an…

Identifies counterproductive grading policies and practices, such as varying grading scales; worshipping averages; using zeros indiscriminantly; following the assign, test, grade, and teach pattern; failing to match testing to teaching; ambushing students; grading first efforts; establishing inconsistent criteria; and failing to recognize…

Recommendations are made for the appropriate use and identification of traditional Kuder-Richardson formulas for the estimation of reliability. "Alpha" should be used for reliabilities estimated for tests or scales composed of items yielding scores distributed on more than two points. (SLD)