Computerized analysis of multiple choice test items is explained. Examples of item analysis applications in the introductory economics course are discussed with respect to three objectives: to evaluate learning; to improve test items; and to help improve classroom instruction. Problems, costs and benefits of the procedures are identified. (JMD)

The Springs task, an individually administered measure of ability to criticize and control experiments, is described. The task has characteristics similar to Inhelder and Piaget's Bending Rods task; it yields scores on naming variables, controlling variables, and analyzing experiments. (See also RIE: ED 163 092.) (JKS)

The development and validation of three instruments for the multidimensional assessment of a child's classroom behavior are described. The multidimensional nature, internal consistency, and test-retest properties of scales depicting teacher-, peer-, and self-rated behavior are explicated. Principal-components analyses demonstrate the convergent…

This study provides validity information for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) by examining some of its inter- and intra-test correlates. (CFM)

Addresses the question of whether any test can be defended as ethical or moral. Defines ethicality in terms of issues such as harm, consent, confidentiality of data, and fairness and presents frameworks for determining equity of educational opportunity. An assessment project in Australia is examined in relation to these concerns. (24 references)…

Four threats to validity of an alternative objective test item format, the multiple-mark format, were studied with data from a state-mandated assessment with about 30,000 students at each of three grade levels. Reliability and validity coefficients show that the format has promise as an objective format that can be aligned with new curriculum…

Fifty-five mothers of young children with Down syndrome completed the Parenting Stress Index. Low internal reliability coefficient for the Adaptability/Plasticity Child Domain subscale was found. Factor analysis of the scale found that the Adaptability/Plasticity factor did not perform as a unidimensional structure, but provided information on…

Evaluation of the factor validity and reliability of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (Japanese version) with 322 subjects (mean age 30) with moderate to profound mental retardation found most items loading on the same factors as in the original factor solution, high coefficient alphas across 5 subscales, high test-retest reliability, and…

Examined psychometric properties of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ) (Parent and Teacher versions), and Sutter-Eyberg Student Behavior Inventory (SESBI) with a sample of 2- to 6-year-olds. Established internal consistency for SESBI and the PBQ-Teacher. Obtained evidence for long-term stability on the…

This study evaluated the validity and reliability of performance portfolios in a preservice elementary mathematics/science methods class, assessing students' domain-strategic and general-learning strategic knowledge. Results supported performance portfolios as a valid method of assessing desired abilities of preservice teachers that can be…

Differences between and interrelationships among reading and math achievement test scores for 269 students with learning disabilities were investigated to determine whether previous findings were replicable. Findings supported previous research that showed different achievement tests purporting to measure the same construct did not provide…

A shortened and revised Student Aspirations Survey was administered to 1,160 students in rural middle schools and high schools. Evidence of construct validity was considerable for student responses to the aspirations scales and very limited for student responses to the school climate scales. Suggestions for improvement of score interpretation are…

Consistent with person-centered planning, a video CD-ROM program was used to help youth with disabilities identify job preferences. The program was administered to 56 participants (ages 14-22) at 60-day intervals. Results indicated that selections of general work conditions were highly consistent, whereas selections of specific job choices were…

Used the Revised Class Play measure to examine measurement of peer perceptions of behavioral reputation in elementary, middle, and high school environments. Found that data did not fit the original 3-factor structure; cross-loading of items and different patterns of association between subscales across age groups contributed to poor fit.…

Explored reliability and validity of British measure of attitude toward training for new technology, economic locus of control, self-efficacy, and self-estrangement for Canadian adolescent population (n=255). Significant differences were obtained for educational settings on variable of attitude toward training for new technology. Males had…