One hundred and twenty-eight subjects responded to one of four differently labeled five-point Likert-type response scales. Although no significant differences in test means and in reliability estimates were found among response scales, the scales did differ on measures of variability. (Author/LMO)

Several statistical rational and empirical procedures are presented for dealing with the problems of non-response or low return rates in surveys, namely mail surveys. Advantages and shortcomings of these procedures in educational research are discussed. (SLD)

This article investigates positional response bias, testwiseness, and guessing strategy as components of variance in test responses on multiple-choice tests. University students responded to two content exams, a testwiseness measure, and a guessing strategy measure. The proportion of variance in test scores accounted for by positional response…

To test the selective recall hypothesis, male and female British adolescents listened to a tape recording of "findings" about sex differences. Fifteen of the findings were pro-female and 15 were anti-male. Males, especially those with more negative attitudes towards women, recalled less pro- and more anti-female items. (KH)

This study examines a score-difference model for the detection of cheating based on the difference between two scores for an examinee: one based on the appropriate scoring key and another based on an alternative, inappropriate key. It argues that the score-difference method could falsely accuse students as cheaters. (Author/JAZ)

The effect on test scores of changing answers to multiple-choice questions was studied and compared to earlier research. The current setting was a nationally administered, in-training, specialty examination for medical residents in obstetrics and gynecology. Both low and high scorers improved their scores when they changed answers. (SW)

It is argued that the tendency to omit items is a deviant response characteristic. Three studies using a self-actualization measure are outlined. Persons who omitted items did so because of fatigue, confusion with some items, unpreparedness to disclose information, and/or because they may not trust the researcher with certain information.…

Compares 20 learning disabled children with Exner (1978) norms on nonpatient, withdrawn, and behavior problem children. The findings clearly show differences in perceptual accuracy, affective ratio, egocentricity index, and reaction to emotion-laden stimuli. (JAC)

Responses to various fixed test-response formats were examined for "reliability" due to systematic error; Cronbach's alphas up to .67 were obtained. Of formats tested, four-point Likert Scales were least affected while forms of lines and faces were most problematic. Possible modification in alpha to account for systematic bias is…

Provides empirical evidence regarding the nature of the interest dimensions underlying Holland's hexagon of vocational interests. Two studies are reported. Study one results provide substantial support for the theory-based dimensions. Study two results suggest that interest inventories "work" primarily because they tap activity…

Statistical procedures for measuring heterogeneity of test item distractor distributions, or cultural variation, are presented. These procedures are based on the notion that examinees' responses to the incorrect options of a multiple-choice test provide more information concerning cultural bias than their correct responses. (Author/PN)

Evaluated techniques for identifying faking on the Personality Inventory for Children (PIC). Undergraduate students (N=70) completed PICs on their child either faking bad, faking good, or legitimate. Results were cross-validated against a clinical sample. Results indicated a clinician cannot be certain a PIC profile is valid. (JAC)

Findings regarding formats and scoring formulas for multiple-choice test items with more than one correct response are presented. Strong cluing effects in the Type K format, increasing the correct score percentage and reducing test reliability, recommend using the Type X format. Alternative scoring methods are discussed. (Author/CM)

Tests the relationship between locus of control and drug abuse and the influence of test instructions and social desirability. Results of research with incarcerated offenders indicated test instructions aimed at heightening social desirability artificially inflated locus of control scores. Found no significant differences between drug abusers and…

Developed scale for each sex to measure defensiveness about the marital relationship and to measure defensiveness about the sexual relationship of couples. Presents evidence to support that these content specific scales surpass a global defensiveness scale as a measure of defensiveness regarding couples' sexual or marital relationship. (Author)