Tailored testing by Cliff's method of implied orders was simulated through the use of responses gathered during conventional administration of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. Tailoring eliminated approximately half the responses with only modest decreases in score reliability. (Author/BW)

The reliability of the four-factor model of the survey of study habits and attitudes (SSHA) was investigated. The reliabilities of the scales were marginal as measured by coefficient alpha. The hierarchical model of the SSHA was not supported by confirmatory factor analysis. (Author/BW)

Holland types characterizing 34 occupational groups are reported for Self-Directed Search (SDS) standard scores. Results are compared with the Holland types obtained raw scores. Results imply that SDS standard scores are more accurate than raw scores in describing the Holland types of occupational groups. (Author)

Test papers of seventh-grade examinees were scored using students' initial responses, then rescored using their final responses on a subtest of the Metropolitan Achievement Test. Results indicate that reliability coefficients and item discriminations are not adversely affected by examinee response changes. (Author)

A study to develop a short form of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) for the intellectually gifted showed the Vocabulary and Block Design comprise the best two-subtest short form. The Similarities, Vocabulary, Block Design, and Object Assembly tetrad could be most useful in time and reliability. (Author)

A dozen different approaches that yield 13 reliability indices for criterion-referenced tests were identified and grouped into three categories: threshold loss function, squared-error loss function, and domain score estimation. Indices were evaluated within each category. (Author/RL)

Investigated scoring agreement among three different training levels of Visual Motor Integration Test (VMI) diagnosticians. Correlational data demonstrated high interexaminer reliabilities; however, there were gross errors in precision after raw scores had been converted into VMI age equivalent scores. (Author/RC)

Provides a brief synopsis of the utility of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) short forms with psychiatric, medical and normal samples. Strengths and limitations of each MMPI short form are discussed. (Author)

An alternative to the uniform probability distribution model for ordinal data is considered. Implications for statistics and for test theory are discussed. (JKS)

The article focuses on the controversy over norm-referenced v criterion-referenced measures (CRM) in assessment of learning disorders. The authors contend that while the reliability of CRMs is generally indisputable, the validity of measures designed from local curricula is still dependent on the intuitive judgments of teachers. (Author/SBH)

The Selected Marker Tests were examined for scoring problems and internal consistency and were administered orally to sixth and seventh graders. Scoring problems were discovered and changes were suggested. The problem was found to be item reliability rather than interrater reliability. (Author/MH)

The Portland Problem Behavior Checklist (PPBC) is defined for aiding school personnel in identifying problem behaviors of students. Test reliability and validity data are reported. The PPBC offers a quick format useful for clinical referrals, assessment, and initial evaluation. (Author)

Direct observation is consistent with the multidimensional approach specified in the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Furthermore, it is directly related to psychoeducational planning, consultation, and intervention, and it is a credible information source. (Author/CP)

Examined the psychometric properties of the Peer Nomination Inventory of Depression (PNID). Reliability proved highly acceptable. Content validity was determined by experts' judgments. Subjects with high PNID scores exhibited depressed intellectual functioning, poor social behavior, and diminished ebullience. (Author)

Examines strengths and weaknesses of several needs assessment techniques currently in use and concludes that exclusive use of any single technique will likely provide a biased or inaccurate assessment of community mental health needs. There is a critical need to empirically investigate the reliability and validity of these needs assessment…