The stimulus for this colloquium was the convergence of several significant developments bearing on the construct validation of standardized tests and other assessment methods. Of these developments, some were fundamental to psychology as a science; others reflected socio-political pressures on measurement in education and employment. The ten…

Educational and psychological measurement has been a main area of work for the Australian Council for Educational (ACER) since its inception. The theoretical and practical contributions of latent trait measurement and commentary on the relatively recent use of these models in Australia were the focus of a seminar celebrating the 50th anniversary…

The conference focused upon the users of tests in counseling and guidance. The first session centered on multi-factor ability test batteries, with papers on Use of Multi-Factor Aptitude Tests in School Counseling, by Robert D. North; Use of the General Aptitude Test Battery in the Employment Service, by Pauline K. Anderson; Service Tests of…

An introduction by Barbara S. Plake emphasizes that this volume investigates social and technical influences on test development and usage. Essential preliminary information on how tests can be used and may be interpreted is presented. Under the heading "Social and Technical Influences" are: (1) "Struggles and Possibilities: The Use…

The conference panels were organized around three topics: (1) influences of cultural background on test performance; (2) uses and limitations of factor analysis in psychological research; and (3) information which should be provided by test publishers and testing agencies on the validity and use of their tests. Panelists for the first session…

Six of 11 papers presented at a symposium on language aptitude testing are included in this document. "Cognitive Abilities in Foreign Language Aptitude: Then and Now" (John B. Carroll) reconsiders language aptitude testing 30 years after publication of the Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT). "Preliminary Investigation of the…

Because of concerns about the validity of tests used in education and employment, a consultation on June 16, 1989, focused on tests of ability, achievement, and other skills. Invited experts were asked to address a set of issues common to both education and employment testing, primarily related to test construction procedures and how to establish…

Of the 50 papers, selected titles include "Redefining the Client, Expanding the Evaluator's Role" (Weldon, Gibson); "Professional Contacts for Evaluator's Expanding Roles" (Dowd); "Vocational Evaluators and the Law" (Kass); "Ethics in Vocational Evaluation" (Early); "Professional Advocacy in Vocational…

Proceedings are presented of the 1979 meeting of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, which includes speeches on outcomes assessment along with the business meeting of the Association. In the keynote address, "Outcomes Assessment--A New Era in Accreditation," Howard R. Bowen identifies goals an educational institution…

Changing patterns in graduate education were addressed at a meeting of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) in the United States. Topics of the conference included: opportunities and change in graduate education, interinstitutional cooperation in graduate programs for professionals, the future of graduate study in the humanities, decision-making…

In general, the 110 conference papers discuss the selection, training, and evaluation of enlisted personnel and officer personnel, as well as the use of job, task and soft skill analysis. More specific topics are: air traffic controllers; adaptive testing; criterion-referenced testing; performance testing; contingency management; management survey…

Information about the educational systems of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay that may be helpful to U.S. college admission officers is presented. For each of the four countries, information is provided on: country facts, the educational system, primary and secondary education, higher education, other institutions, placement recommendations,…

The conference is divided into three sections: (1) constructing examinations so that they will be valid measures of important functions; (2) defining the nature of the verbal factor as used in aptitude test batteries; and (3) establishing the type of norms most useful and important for the interpretation of achievement test scores. Papers are…

The application of scientific method to the study of college problems in the field of curricula, methods, administration, and student personnel is increasing rapidly. The experimental method--the setting up of alternative procedures in such a way that the factor under study may be isolated for measurement--appeals more to college faculty members…

These conference proceedings contain statements from those concerned with various aspects of research on job performance measures. Following introductory remarks, the formal presentations of work and ideas include "Air Training Command Interest in the Criterion Problem," by Donald E. Meyer, "The Criterion Problem: A Personnel…