Studied the factors underlying the aging effects seen on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults-Revised (WAIS-R) and the scale's third edition (WAIS-III) using the French standardization samples of 1,104 for the WAIS-III and 1,000 for the WAIS-R. Results show that the observed decline in scores for both tests cannot be fully explained with a…

Considers ways to implement the International Guidelines for Test Use (International Test Commission, 2001) to maximize their intended impact . The process calls for customizing the guidelines for specific assessment contexts and needs and using the guidelines to generate competency standards. (SLD)

Developed an Italian version of the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ-III) and studied the reliability and factorial validity of this translated instrument. Results show that the translated version has psychometric properties similar to those of the original English version. (SLD)

Presents an overview of nonparametric regression as it allies to differential item functioning analysis and then provides three examples to illustrate how nonparametric regression can be applied to multilingual, multicultural data to study group differences. (SLD)

Standardized the French version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Third Edition (WISC-III) with a standardization sample of 1,120 participants aged 6 to 16 years. A three-factor solution was a better fit than the four-factor solution of the U.S. version. Factors were identified as Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and…

Presents a model of tests and measurement that identifies test scores with Hilbert space vectors and true and error components of scores with linear operators. This geometric point of view brings to light relations among elementary concepts in test theory, including reliability, validity, and parallel tests. (Author/SLD)

Provides a tutorial on differential item functioning (DIF) and reviews DIFPACK, a new software package that is specifically designed to test for the presence of DIF. DIFPACK allows the user to test for standard unidirectional DIF, DIF in dichotomous items, DIF in polytomous items, and disordinal, or crossing, DIF. (SLD)

The book answers practical questions about item response theory (IRT) in four sections: (1) an introduction to the concepts; (2) IRT theories and principles; (3) fundamentals of IRT; and (4) applications of IRT models. The book is useful for anyone trying to learn about IRT and how to use it. (SLD)