Reviews the approaches that have been used to detect cultural, content, predictive, and selection bias in mental tests. Argues that questions of bias are fundamentally questions of validity. Concludes that although much has been learned about the technical details of test bias, social policy questions remain to be resolved. (Author/GC)

Outlines a model of decision making known to researchers in the field of behavioral decision theory (BDT) as subjective expected utility (SEU). The descriptive and predictive validity of the SEU model, probability and values assessment using SEU, and decision contexts are examined, and a 54-item reference list is provided. (JL)

Demonstrates difficulty in proving medium-term and long-term effects of career maturity on career adjustment and the connection with research and theoretical shortcomings. Presents empirical evidence supporting self-concept orientation in choice of present major and realization of preferences acts as mediating factors between career development…

Assesses Adolescent Concerns Evaluation (ACE), an instrument that has the potential to identify youths who are at risk of running away. Preliminary evidence suggests that ACE is a reliable tool and it may help social workers determine treatment goals and measure treatment progress in their work with runaway youths. (Author/JDM)

Several recent studies are identified that used expert ratings of the job performance of certified professionals as a validation criterion. These studies showed a strong relationship between expert ratings and certification, but were susceptible to alternative interpretations due to design constraints. Inclusion of control constructs is presented…

Summarizes and challenges criticism that the behavioral sciences have failed to produce long-lasting generalizations due to cultural and historical relativism and interaction effects. Using findings from meta-analysis, the author argues that considerable consistency and validity across contexts of many generalizations exists, as well as promising…

Among the various tests employed in personnel selection, handwriting analysis, or graphology, has enjoyed long-standing international popularity despite being highly contentious. This report contains not only an evaluation of the current published scientific reviews on the use of graphology in personnel selection, but also an evaluation of several…

The behavior of two real-time computer simulation models of melody recognition was compared with the performance of human subjects in this study. One of the models, INT1, recognized melodies by comparing specific intervals with stored intervals. The other model, CONT1, performed by comparing the contour of the stimulus melody with an array of…

Research is reviewed on the validity of the Kindergarten Screening Inventory (KSI), an instrument developed by the Houston, Texas Independent School District to screen kindergarten students for possible difficulties that could lead to learning problems. The KSI includes eye-hand coordination, language learning, gross-motor subtests, as well as…

Discusses the external, inductive, and deductive approaches to personality scale construction, and argues that none is consistently superior in terms of validity or predictive effectiveness. Also argues that since deductive scales normally communicate information more directly and are more economical to build and administer, they should be used…

An historical overview of inductive logic is presented, including the logic of enumerative induction in its rule-derivative and event-predictive forms. An experimental test model of event-predictive induction in the linguistic medium is discussed along with its theoretical significance for future psychometric investigations. (Author/CM)

Uses a laboratory experiment involving role-playing groups to show that an assigned majority rule is likely to lead to higher-quality solutions than unanimity and no-decision rule. Results indicated under majority rule workers resistance to the foreman's power often resulted in a successful search for a better solution. (JAC)

This article reviews recent research on assessment techniques for divergent thinking and examines their predictive validity. Techniques include those using either lenient or stringent solution standards, those assessing total idea output, and those involving qualitative aspects of ideation. Special considerations for the creativity of gifted…

A study created and examined a new communication trait--the willingness to collaborate. The Willingness to Collaborate Trait Scale was created. Scale reliability was demonstrated through analysis of internal consistency of the 13-item scale. A communication trait model predictive of trait willingness to collaborate was tested using 401…

Behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) are no better or worse than other methods when assessed on a quantitative basis but have greater potential when assessed on use and qualitative criteria. Suggestions are offered for extending BARS research to process questions and domains other than performance appraisal. (Author)