This article presents a non-mathematical introduction to latent trait test models and some of their features. Latent trait models are compared to classical test models. Two promising applications of latent trait models and available computer programs are discussed. (Author/JKS)

This article explains the Rasch model for sample-free item analysis and test-free person measurement. It shows how to estimate model parameters from data and how to evaluate the statistical fit of these estimates to the data. Attention is paid to practical considerations. (Author/JKS)

This paper presents the characteristics, properties and development of the National Reference Scale for reading. This new scale is the result of a reanalysis of the Anchor Test Study data using Rasch model procedures, in an effort to produce equated scores among all reading tests included in that study. (Author/JKS)

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventories (MMPI) of 36 patient suicides were compared with two matching control groups. Female suicides differed significantly from all male groups and from both female control groups. These differentiating patterns emerged from a population of voluntary psychiatric patients and would not necessarily be…

The reliability and validity of the nine scale Social and Prevocational Information Battery for educable mentally retarded individuals was evaluated with four additional samples averaging 82 junior and senior high school pupils. (BB)

Ten psychometric criteria (such as item analysis, concurrent validity, and interexaminer reliability) were used to compare four preschool screening tests: "Comprehensive Identification Process", "Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning--Revised" (Dial--R), "Denver Developmental Screening Test", and…

The purpose of this study was to establish tentative reliability estimates for movement control and force production tasks as the initial phase of a cross-cultural motor-performance study. Ten boys and ten girls for each of seven age groups (ages four through ten) performed four specific tasks. Results are discussed. (MT)

A sample of 153 male police officers were subjects in a test validation study with two objectives: (1) to compare reliability estimates of a 16-item objective achievement examination scored by the conventional items right formula and by four different procedures; and (2) to obtain comparative concurrent validity coefficients of scores arising from…

Several measures of reliability and validity were used to compare a shortened and a complete form of the Inventory of Learning Processes. Very similar reliability and validity statistics were produced with the two forms. Surprisingly low, validity coefficients were produced with both inventories. (Author/LMO)

Reviews the Sucher-Allred Group Reading Placement, used to determine the instructional reading level for students in grades 2-12. Concludes that the test correlates well with other standard tests and is useful as an informal reading inventory. (RS)

Study determines that solutions derived by multiple group analysis and item-total correlation analysis were generally most interpretable from a psychological perspective. It was concluded that their application to test construction is preferred over Procrustean or confirmatory maximum likelihood approaches. (RB)

Coefficient alpha reliability estimates and interscale correlations were obtained for five locus of control scales administered to 267 undergraduates: the Rotter Internal-External Scale; the 18-item version of the Reid and Ware scale; the Levenson scale; the Nowicki-Strickland adult internal/external scale; and the Duttweiler Internal Control…

Introduces the Interpersonal Network Questionnaire (INQ), an instrument designed to measure constructs of social networks such as social participation, confidant size, and frequency of contact. Discusses item generation, reliability, administration, and applications of the INQ. (Author/NB)

Various psychometric characteristics of the Marlowe-Crowne and Edwards Social Desirability scales were assessed in a sample of 108 male and 189 female undergraduates. Results suggest that males and females show different means and similar internal consistency reliability and intercorrelation on the two scales. (TJH)

Introduces a new procedure for assessing communication style, the Communication Style Q-Set. The measure consists of a deck of 100 items describing communication orientations and behaviors. These may be sorted by subjects or raters to describe an individual's unique style. Presents evidence to support the measure's face, concurrent, and…