For the six available sets of empirical data, the discrimination (slope) parameter of the logistic item characteristic curve was found to have a significant positive correlation over items with the difficulty (location) parameter. This unpleasant situation can be eliminated by a suitably chosen transformation of the ability scale. (Author/RC)

This digest recommends assessing all of a person's abilities, not just some. It also discusses self-report in the context of ability assessment. Current use of self assessment methodology taps more ability areas than existing ability or aptitude tests cover. Alternative testing approaches have been called for which enhance self-discovery and…

A 15-stage pyramidal test and a 40-item two-stage test were constructed and administered by computer to 111 college undergraduates. The two-stage test was found to utilize a smaller proportion of its potential score range than the pyramidal test. Score distributions for both tests were positively skewed but not significantly different from the…

Part of the New Canadian Study required the examination of general ability measures. The requisites were that the measure selected be applicable for Grades 5 to 9 and that it could be administered to students with a limited command of English. Included in this report are: (1) a summary of the considerations involved in selecting a general…

This handbook contains suggested guidelines for planning and implementing an occupational assessment program and an overview of fifty-one occupational assessment instruments. The guidelines cover these topics: instrument selection and use, administration, scoring, and interpretation. Each of these reviews of occupational interest and ability…