The 10 criticisms of criterion-referenced tests addressed in this paper are: the domains tested; pedagogical influence; difficulty of items; cumbersome reports; reliability; arbitrary criteria; local objectives; labeling; predictive validity; and repeated testing. (SJL)

In the debate concerning psychological testing and reliability/validity issues, one issue which has had implications for the examinee is card or task rejection. Card rejection on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Picture Arrangement subtest attracted considerable attention. Picture Arrangement is not commonly a disturbing task. Assessment…

The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was designed to assess the frequency and intensity of perceived burnout among persons in the helping professions in general. Analyzing emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, and depersonalization (with depersonalization separated into job related and student related factors), this paper gives…

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Preference Inventory (PI) as a measure of adult creative potential. Capabilities of creatively productive persons include mental examination and manipulation of ideas, curiosity, need to create, and originality. Undergraduates' PI scores were significantly correlated with four other indices…

Lists six problems related to descriptive data and to factor analysis performed in a previous research study reported in this journal. Includes the authors' response to the suggested weaknesses of their study. (JN)

Compares direct and indirect writing assessment strategies and contrasts them in terms of the relationship each has to specific classroom decision-making situations, the components of writing assessed, practical testing matters, characteristics of test exercises, test scoring procedures, and procedures for determining test quality. (HOD)

Described an assertiveness scale for children developed to assess four dimensions of assertiveness across three categories of interpersonal situations. The scale was administered to elementary and middle school children (N=609) and readministered to students (N=164) to assess test-retest reliability. Test-retest reliability was low while internal…

Tested the Life Satisfaction Index-A for validity and reliability using a sample of 240 Black elderly. The study failed to support the existence of five dimensions that were supposed to form the life satisfaction scale, but the scale was highly reliable in measuring life satisfaction among Black elderly. (Author/JAC)

Graduate and undergraduate students participated in the development of a Likert-type rating scale designed to measure teachers' attitudes toward educational research. Preliminary research supported the instrument's reliability and validity. It can also be used to measure attitude change and to improve educational research courses. (GDC)

A sample of the literature on test speededness is reviewed; methods of assessing speededness are presented and criticized; the assumptions that underlie these methods are questioned, and alternate, multiple-administration methods are suggested. The importance of the effect of time limits is discussed. (Author/CTM)

A description of the development and construct validity of two forms of the Iowa Social Competency Scale-Preschool, an instrument for assessment of typical behavior of preschool-age children as they function within a family setting, is provided. A combined form of the test requires further research. (Author/AL)

It is concluded that the Occupational Aspiration Scale is a usable instrument for measuring the occupational aspirations of high-school age youth, but that a program of measurement research is needed before one can be confident in a highly accurate measurement of youth's occupational aspirations. (Author/BR)

This article criticizes the generally held assumption that psychological test scores are trait measures. Reasons for the continuing belief in this fallacy, as well as the social consequences of its general acceptance, are discussed. Suggestions for avoiding the test-trait fallacy are made. (EB)

Describes the steps taken by City College School of Nursing (New York) in the development of nursing student placement tests. These steps include determining test items, use of multiple-choice questions, test revision, clinical performance tests, estimating test reliability, establishing standards, and using the tests. (CT)

Reviews the development of the Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS), designed to assess one's level of satisfaction toward his/her own marriage. Research results indicate that the instrument has very high internal consistency, sufficient test-retest reliability and validity, and a low degree of contamination with social desirability. (Author)