Discriminant analysis of Holland's Self Directed Search and Vocational Preference Inventory significantly improved the predictive validity of his classification scheme, over the traditional method of assigning high point codes. These results were obtained with both an initial and a replication sample of undergraduates pursuing various degrees. The…

The Vocational Performance Sample (VPS), a vocational assessment instrument for the severely retarded, integrates norm referenced technology with current innovations in domain referenced tests and learning potential assessment. The domains are based on a systematic sampling of types of training procedures and types of discriminations and/or…

A new, more specific language for describing work activities, based upon the duty module (clusters of tasks that tend to go together occupationally and organizationally in meaningful ways) is being designed for the Army. The purpose is to improve communications between resource and requirement planners and program operators. The paper proposes two…

This paper describes the Work Keys system, a program developed by American College Testing (ACT) to help improve the job skills of the workforce. This project is being conducted with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to examine the extent to which Work Keys assessment information can be used to address the human resources needs for three…

One vision of the future is that federal government workers will be assessed through a nationwide examination system applicable to them and to individuals competing for private sector jobs and promotions. A working group has already been established to develop a task force for a nationwide classification system. A standardized occupational…

The intervention in this study focused upon effective test taking, defined as the capacity to use acquired subject matter knowledge to achieve test scores consistent with an individual's knowledge level. This approach also emphasized self-assessment and self-directed learning. The procedure was employed in efforts to enhance a class of medical…

The author summarizes the origin of his occupational classification scheme, the main events in its development, and its present form. A number of deficiencies in this classification scheme are addressed, and the virtues of the scheme are enumerated. Although the present classification is the outcome of much empirical work, individual…

This paper describes a process used to assess the technical competency of non-direct line candidates for managerial positions in computer specialties. The Training and Experience (T&E) qualifying test, a multi-method approach combining task-based, computer scorable evaluations of training and experience with multiple-choice batteries, was used as…

How managers develop following their individual assessment is explored, examining links between steps in the development process, and testing several hypotheses about the relationships between environmental characteristics and individual development. A framework proposed by L. W. Hellervik, J. F. Hazucha, and R. J. Schneider (1992) suggests that…

Occupational norms exist for some tests, and differences in the distributions of test scores by occupation are evident. Sampling error (SE), situationally specific factors (SSFs), and differences in job content (DIJCs) were explored as possible reasons for the observed differences. SE was explored by analyzing 742 validity studies performed by the…

Exams which are periodically updated and revised also require a revision of the cut score to ensure that examinees who take the original form of the test, and those taking the revised form, are scored on an equivalent basis. This paper discusses available standard setting procedures as applied to establishing minimum passing scores for licensing…

Characteristics of the National Teacher Examinations (NTE) of 10 years hence are projected. The NTE-recommended guidelines for the examination are that: the test be used for selection and certification of teachers; it will be suitable for group testing; a single map will be used for the professional component to measure teacher effectiveness; map…

The practice of not sharing tests results with clients may soon be in conflict with the Ethical Standards for Psychologist (sic). Studies using self-validation of feedback information to study feedback parameters have shown that the form of feedback is less important than the content. To investigate direct feedback of test results by computer, the…

Work Keys provides a metric that translates skill requirements for individual jobs into levels of proficiency. It has been developed as a multifunctional program with the interactive components of Job Profiling, Instructional Support, Reporting, and Assessment. The assessment component contains applied mathematics, applied technology, teamwork,…

This paper is a report of a study designed to develop recommendations on minimum qualifying scores for National Teacher Examinations (NTE) that are valid for certification and endorsement in Tennessee. The functions performed in the review of the NTE Core Battery and Specialty Area tests were conceptualized as panel activities. The number of…