The standard form Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and two abbreviated forms were compared with direct measures of psychopathology obtained from the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). The multiple correlation coefficients between the BPRS ratings and the corresponding MMPI and abbreviated-form scales were significantly high…

The effects of providing total and partial immediate feedback to pupils in multiple choice testing was investigated with fifth and sixth grade pupils. The split-half reliability was higher with total feedback than with no feedback. Concurrent validity with a completion test showed all three settings to be nearly identical. (Author/JKS)

Two approaches for determining the optimal number of choices for a test item, presently in the literature, are compared with two new approaches. (Author)

A variety of practical applications of item characteristic curve test theory are discussed. Among these applications are tailored testing, two stage testing, determining whether two tests measure the same latent trait, and measuring item bias towards minority or other groups. (Author/JKS)

In evaluating the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test (a test for assessing expressive and receptive grammar in preschool and primary age children), the author points out problems with the test norms, reliability, and validity. (SBH)

The author responds to W. Arndt's criticisms of the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test, a test for assessing receptive and expressive grammar in young children. (SBH)

It would appear that there is a lack of convincing evidence especially regarding the reliability of the Matching Familiar Figures test over short intervals and with older children. As the test is now being used for diagnostic purposes in education, more information is required, and here the MFF is examined in older children using a split-half…

Examines why profile analysis "adds spurious specificity and misarticulated authority to quasi-diagnostic statements." Concludes that the difficulties inherent in diagnostic reading tests suggest that they are best utilized in comparing a child's performance with a norm group. (JM)

Students know more than they think they know, so guessing gives better scores even when there's a penalty for errors. (JM)

This study compared the item difficulty, item discrimination, and test reliability of three forms of multiple-choice items: (1) one correct answer; (2) "none of the above" as a foil; and (3) "none of the above" as the correct answer. Twelve items in the three formats were administered in a college statistics examination. (BS)

Because of limitations in simple gain scores, pychometrists have proposed alternate methods for measuring change, two of which are residualized difference and base-free change. This paper provides large sample empirical estimates of the reliability these change measures. It checks theoretical predictions derived from inequalities involving all…

The paper describes the "Early Social Communication Scales" designed to assess social and communication skills typically acquired in the first 30 months of life. Stressed is the role of the tester as an interactive partner for the infant. Reliability data suggesting reliability over time with the same partner are presented. (Author/DB)