The Answer-Until-Correct (AUC) procedure has been proposed in order to increase the reliability of multiple-choice items. A model for examinees' behavior when they must respond to each item until they answer it correctly is presented. An expression for the reliability of AUC items, as a function of the characteristics of the item and the scoring…

Effects of logically weighting incorrect item options in conventional tests and different scoring functions with confidence tests on reliability and validity were examined. Ninth graders took conventionally administered Verbal and Mathematical Reasoning tests, scored conventionally and by a procedure assigning degree-of-correctness weights to…

A comparison of reliability and validity was made for three testing procedures: 1) responding conventionally to Verbal Ability and Mathematical Reasoning tests; 2) using a confidence weighting response procedure with the same tests; and 3) using the elimination response method. The experimental testing procedures were not psychometrically superior…

The rationale and development of a new measure of five methods of handling interpersonal conflict (competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accomodating), which attempts to control for the social desirability response bias is described. The instrument--the Management of Differences Exercise, or the MODE instrument--is briefly compared…

Presents guidelines for constructing tests which accurately measure a student's cognitive skills and performance in a particular course. The advantages and disadvantages of two types of test items are listed (selected response and constructed response items). Both poor and good examples are given and general rules for test item writing are…

Describes study conducted with U.S. Marine Corps enlisted personnel to measure response time to computer-administered questionnaire items, and to evaluate how measurement of response time might be useful in various research areas. Topics addressed include mood states; the occurrence of straight lining; and experimental effects of sleep loss and…

Considers the effect of providing two different response modes, free response and a multiple choice format, on concrete-abstract performance. Suggests if task format plays a role in subject response, then it also enters into a person's score on some intelligence test measures. (Author)

Discusses Meehan, Woll, and Abbott's study showing that scores on Hogan's Survey of Ethical Attitudes (SEA) are affected by instructions to simulate politically liberal or conservative attitudes. This paper asserts that test-taking is a form of self-presentation, identical to everyday social interactions. Woll responds, reasserting his…

Examined the effects on their test performance of junior high school students changing responses. Results indicated that changing answers neither increases the reliability nor decreases the standard error of measurement of the test. (Author/RC)

The author explains his research on learning differences between children of Hawaii's different ethnic groups, particularly the Oriental-Americans. His studies focus on two separate variables: fast-slow instruction and locus of control. (SJL)

Rorschach inkblot tests were administered to 25 second graders who had been classified either as poor or excellent readers. The poor readers showed perceptual difficulties, less capacity for organizing or integrating separate facts, and less emotional reactions to the environment. Implications for teaching poor readers are suggested. (Author/GDC)

Reviews the issue of outcome criteria in the light of the relevance-rigor dimension. Counseling psychologists must find a more liberalized approach to research methodology upon which to construct human understanding. Inappropriate methods of data anlaysis are often used in multivariate research. A model for such experiments is suggested. (JAC)

Examined are questions pertinent to the use of the Position Analysis Questionnaire: Who can use the PAQ reliably and validly? Must one rely on trained job analysts? Can people having no direct contact with the job use the PAQ reliably and validly? Do response biases influence PAQ responses? (Author/KC)

This article reviews recent investigations into intentionality (use of motive information) in young children's moral judgments. Intentionality has been shown to vary as a function of the vignette used to measure it. The educational implications of Piagetian theory and cognitive social learning theory for moral development are discussed.…

A novel cognitive style distinction is introduced: the Assimilator, who stretches established principles to meet novel tasks, and the Explorer, who seeks novel solutions even when established principles would serve. The assets and liabilities of each problem-solving style are considered and results of a validation study presented. (Editor/SJL)