bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and Validation of an Instrument Measuring Certain Attitudes toward Mathematics
Authors: Michaels Linda A. , Forsyth Robert A.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop scales measuring four facets of attitude toward mathematics and to assess the reliability and validity of these scales. The four constructs of interest were: enjoyment of word problems; enjoyment of pictorial problems; appreciation of the utility of mathematics; and security with mathematics. The scales designed to measure these four constructs were administered to 299 seventh grade students. Split-half reliability coefficients were estimated for each scale and evidence related to the construct validity of each scale was obtained. All scales demonstrated an adequate degree of reliability and some degree of both convergent and discriminant validity.
A Questionnaire Measure of Individual Differences in Child Stimulus Screening
Authors: Mehrabian Albert , Falender Carol A.
Published: March 2007

The present paper contains reliability and validity data on a new measure of child stimulus screening. "Stimulus screening" characterizes the degree to which an individual automatically and selectively responds to stimulation. Nonscreeners who are less selective process more information and are thus generally more arousable than screeners. A 46-item verbal questionnaire measure of child stimulus screening which employs mother reports was developed over the course of three studies. The scale, which is balanced for response bias with 23 positively worded and 23 negatively worded items, has exhibited a Kuder-Richardson formula 20 reliability coefficient of .92. Child stimulus screening scores based on the questionnaire yielded a statistically significant correlation with mother stimulus screening scores and one approaching significance with father stimulus screening scores. A fourth validational study showed that children who screened less as compared with those who screened more were more aroused and that they demanded and received more attention and care from their mothers—a finding that was interpreted in the context of their greater emotional sensitivity.
The Reliability and Predictive Validity of the Slosson Intelligence Test for Pre-Kindergarten Pupils
Authors: Klein Alice E.
Published: March 2007

The ability of the Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT) to predict academic achievement was assessed by using three samples of pre-kindergarten pupils from three successive years in a large midwest school district. At the beginning of the kindergarten year, the Screening Test of Academic Readiness (STAR) was administered to all three samples. Obtained SIT-STAR correlations ranged from .184 to .689. At the beginning of the first grade, the Stanford Early School Achievement Test (SESAT), Primary Battery II, was administered to two samples of pupils. The SIT-SESAT correlations ranged from .296 to .653. At the beginning of the second grade, the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT), Primary Battery I, was administered to one sample of pupils. The SIT-SAT correlations ranged from .392 to .586. All of the 102 correlations were statistically significant. The SIT appeared to be most predictive of STAR Total and Numbers scores; of SESAT Mathematics, Word Reading, Aural Comprehension, and Environment scores; and of SAT Total Battery, Total Auditory, Vocabulary, and Mathematics Concepts scores. Test-retest reliabilities, obtained on all three samples over a time period of seven months, ranged from .689 to .778.
The Personal Attribute Inventory: a Measure of Self-Concepts and Personality Profiles
Authors: Kappes Bruno M. , Parish Thomas S.
Published: March 2007

Parish and Eads (1977) and Parish, Eads, and Adams (1977) reported that the Personal Attribute Inventory (PAI) was significantly correlated with two self-concept measures, i.e., the unfavorable and favorable subscales of Gough's (1952) Adjective Check List. As further evidence that the PAI is a self-concept scale, the present study required 265 college students to respond to it and to the 16 PF. As hypothesized, the PAI was significantly related to the self-concept factor ( Q3) on the 16 PF (males: r = -.47; females: r = -.29; both sexes: r = -.37, all p < .001, respectively). In addition, the PAI was found to be significantly correlated with eleven other personality factors on the 16 PF. Thus, the PAI was actually able to provide personality profiles of those deemed to exhibit high or low standing on 12 of 16 PF scales in directions that were judged to be associated with high and low self-concepts.
Inferential Comparisons of Student Evaluations of Teaching
Authors: Driscoll Michael F.
Published: March 2007

A method is presented for analyzing the response data from student evaluations of teaching. The method is an objective one, based on inferential statistical techniques which assume only the known structure of the response data and are sensitive to the numbers of respondents involved. Provision is made for comparing instructors of similar classes, but the comparative information supplied pertains to specific aspects of teaching performance rather than overall rankings. The method is conservative yet sufficiently discriminatory, detecting both deficient and outstanding teaching. Consequently, the method can provide the reliable information necessary if evaluations by students are to be effective in promoting good instruction.
Cluster Analysis of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised
Authors: Silverstein A.B.
Published: March 2007

The intercorrelations among the 12 subtests of the WISC-R were analyzed for each of the 11 age groups in the standardization sample. Clusters were found that corresponded to the Verbal and Performance Scales, but there was also some evidence of a third group of subtests, drawn from both scales. The results were in general agreement with those of previous research in which factor analysis was applied to the same data.
The Relationship Between Attitude Toward Reading and Reading Success
Authors: Lewis John
Published: March 2007

For a sample of 149 third, fourth, and fifth grade pupils, scores from a reading attitude inventory correlated .17 ( p < .05) with combined scores on the subtests of Reading in the Metropolitan Achievement Tests. Although statistically significant, this finding suggests that the inventory did not reflect an attitudinal construct that was a major factor in reading success for the sample studied.
Trend Analysis the Easy Way
Authors: Cohen Jacob
Published: March 2007

When sample sizes and/or X intervals are unequal, the analysis of variance computations for trend analysis become quite complicated. This is because the usual simplicity of analysis of variance algorithms depend upon "regular" conditions for which sources of variance are orthogonal. This article shows how multiple regression/ correlation analysis, a more general procedure that allows for non-orthogonality, may be applied in order to accomplish with great simplicity trend analysis under "irregular" conditions.
The Relationship Between the Phi Coefficient and the G Index1
Authors: Janson Svante , Vegelius Jan
Published: March 2007

The value of the phi coefficient (Φ) cannot, in general, be uniquely determined from the G index. Its value is shown to obey the inequalities

G-1/3+ G ≤ Φ ≤ 1+ G/3- G if -1 < G < 1

When G equals -1 or 1 so does Φ. As a consequence of this Φ is too unstable over item reflection when used as a measure of similarity between individuals. G is a more suitable choice.
A General Discriminant Analysis Based On E-Correlation Coefficients
Authors: Janson Svante , Vegelius Jan
Published: March 2007

A general discriminant analysis method, based on the E-correla tion coefficient concept is introduced. The method is applicable to data on any scale type, even to nominal data. It separates the vari ous subgroups by using Euclidean spaces. Several criteria for how to separate between the subgroups are suggested. The G-analysis, the weighted G analysis and the WHIDD analysis are special cases of the method.
Testing Partial Correlations When the Third Variable is Measured with Error
Authors: Strauss David
Published: March 2007

When attempting to determine if the observed correlation between two variables can be "explained" by a third variable, many researchers resort to a significance test on the partial correlation coefficient. Several authors have pointed out how this can be misleading when the third variable is measured with error. We show how the problem can be partially overcome (to the extent that the problem is at all soluble with the given data) with knowledge or assumption about the reliability of measurement in the third variable. An alternative suggestion, that one instead consider the feasibility of a one factor fit to the observed intercorrelations, has been proposed; we show that this has little to recommend it.
A Revised Measure of Sampling Adequacy for Factor-Analytic Data Matrices
Authors: Kaiser Henry F.
Published: March 2007

A revised version of Kaiser's Measure of Sampling Adequacy for factor-analytic data matrices is presented.
Ergo: a New Approach To Multidimensional Item Analysis
Authors: Reynolds Thomas J.
Published: March 2007

Cliff (1977) suggests a series of indices, intended for a testing context, that establish a relation between dominance matrices and classical measurement. Cliff's index c derived from an item dominance matrix is utilized in a clustering approach (termed ERGO) to isolate Guttman-type item hierarchies. A comparison of factor analysis to the ERGO is made on social distance data involving multiple ethnic groups. The ERGO procedure surpassed the factor analysis by satisfactorily identifying both the number of hypothetical item hierarchies as well as the developmental order within each hierarchy.
Modified Questionnaire On the Occupational Status of Women
Authors: Bingham William C. , Turner Carol J.
Published: March 2007

The development and modification of an instrument designed to measure accuracy of information and attitudes related to the occupational status of women are described. The original 50-item questionnaire was constructed by using a classicial measurement approach and administered to a total of 707 counselors and related professionals. The modified questionnaire consisted of 30 items selected from the original questionnaire on the basis of Rasch analysis. Coefficient alpha for the modified questionnaire was estimated as 0.86; coefficient alpha for the original questionnaire was 0.77. Both the original and the modified questionnaires differentiated between and among subgroups in the sample, which were assumed to have more or less positive attitudes toward women and work. On the basis of this analysis, the modified questionnaire is recommended to estimate counselor and related professional attitudes toward women and work.
Psychometric Characteristics of a Vocational Preference Inventory Short Form
Authors: Lowman Rodney L. , Schurman Susan J.
Published: March 2007

This article presents reliability and validity evidence for Form B of Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI), a 42-item short form which was further reduced to 30 items for this study. The psychometric properties of this revised scale were assessed by using employees from five Federal Government organizations as respondents (N=2621). Factor analyses, interscale correlations, measures of internal consistency, and criterion group profiles are presented and discussed. All data, with some minor exceptions, support the utility of this form in research studies in which longer instrumentation cannot be used because of space or other limitations. In general, the evidence was supportive of both the construct (factorial) and criterion-related validity of the newly devised 30-item form of the VPI.
The Relationship of Children's Academic Achievement to Social Status and Family Learning Environment
Authors: Marjoribanks Kevin
Published: March 2007

Hierarchical regression analyses and response surfaces were used to examine interrelationships among social status, family learning environment, and children's academic achievement. Data were collected from 11-year-old Australian children (447 girls and 471 boys) and their parents. Family environment was assessed by using home interviews to measure the aspirations of parents and their instrumental and affective educational orientations. The unique contribution of family environment to variation in achievement scores was relatively small when compared to the contribution of social status—a finding which suggests that much previous environmental research may have generated inflated measures of association between family learning environments and children's academic achievement.
The Course Structure Inventory: Discriminant and Construct Validity
Authors: Strom Bruce , Zimmer John , Hocevar Dennis , Michael William B.
Published: March 2007

The development and validation of the Course Structure Inventory (CSI), a measure of student attitude toward course structure and course difficulty, is described. A sample of 215 college students was given the CSI along with measures of arousal-seeking tendency, achievement motivation, and dogmatism. A significant negative correlation was found between scores on the arousal seeking measure and those on the attitude toward course structure subscale of the CSI (high scores indicating preference for high structure). A significant positive correlation was observed between scores on the dogmatism measure and the attitude toward course structure subscale. Finally, a significant negative correlation was found between scores on the dogmatism measure and those on the subscale representing attitude toward course difficulty (high scores indicating a preference for more difficult courses). Potential applications of the CSI are discussed.
The Factorial Validity of the Family Environment Scale
Authors: Robertson Donald U. , Hyde Janet S.
Published: March 2007

The present study attempted to determine whether the 10 subscales of the Family Environment Scale do measure 10 dimensions (factors) of the family environment. In a factor analysis of data from high school freshmen and sophomores (n = 344), the 10 subscales did not emerge as 10 factors. Hence, seven new sub-scales were proposed: Conflict, Group Cohesion, Structure, Religion, Activities, Verbal-Intellectual Orientation, and Protestant Ethic. The responses of a second sample of students (n = 342) were then factor analyzed to determine the stability of the proposed subscales. The factor structure of the first four subscales was interpreted to replicate well, whereas that of the last three subscales was judged to replicate moderately well. Implications of the factor structure for conceptualization and measurement of family environment variables are discussed.
A Comparison of the Koppitz and Hutt Techniques of Bender-Gestalt Administration Correlated with WISC-R Performance Scores
Authors: Redfering David L. , Collins Jackie
Published: March 2007

Forty students between 6-12 years of age were randomly selected from approximately 340 referrals to the school psychology services department of a Florida public school system. All subjects were administered the WISC-R and the Bender-Gestalt. The Bender-Gestalt was administered using two techniques: Koppitz routine instructions and the Hutt testing-the-limits method. The mean number of Koppitz errors was approximately two greater than the number obtained using the Hutt technique. The t test for related measures showed this difference to be statistially significant at the .001 level. In addition, four of the six Hutt correlations with WISC-R scores were slightly greater than the Koppitz correlations but none of them were significantly higher when a test for difference in correlations was computed.
Mixed Standard Scale Response Inconsistencies as Reliability Indices
Authors: Benson Philip G. , Dickinson Terry L.
Published: March 2007

The mixed standard scale is a rating format which allows researchers to count illogical (i.e., internally inconsistent) response patterns. These counts have been interpreted as an index of rater reliability, based on the notion that illogical response patterns reflect carelessness in responding. This study investigated the meaning of these counts, using 943 accountants as raters. It was found that the counts of illogical response patterns were not related to reliability as measured by Cronbach's alpha, and alternative interpretations for such indices are suggested.
Validity of Career Maturity Inventory
Authors: Chodzinski Raymond T. , Randhawa Bikkar S.
Published: March 2007

Validity of the Career Maturity Inventory (CMI) was investigated using 279 grade ten and 256 grade twelve students. Factor analysis of the ten subtests of the CMI and the regression of the CMI variables on intelligence test scores, sex, and grade level indicated partial support of the theoretical postulations. Although two principal factors emerged, the CMI Competence and Attitude subtests did not load distinctly on the separate factors. As expected, intelligence test scores, grade level, and sex were found to be significant predictors of the CMI variables. However, evidence for discriminant validity was unsatisfactory and inconsistent with the theoretical framework of CMI. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Subroutines for Computing Exact CHI-Square and Fisher's Exact Probability Tests
Authors: Berry Kenneth J. , Mielke Paul W.
Published: March 2007

Algorithms for the exact chi-square test and the Fisher exact probability test are presented. One- and two-tailed probability values for each test are computed recursively. The use of an arbitrary initial value in the recursion provides a significant reduction in computation time over previously published algorithms.
Sets of Basic Programs for Factor Matrix Comparisons: Ahmavaara Transformation, Congruence Coefficient, Salient Variable Similarity Index
Authors: Dreger Ralph Mason
Published: March 2007

BASIC programs for three different factor matrix comparison methods are described. Each method has several forms: Ahmavaara's procedure has one program for data entered as DATA, another for small matrices with data already stored on disk (or tape), another for large matrices with data already stored, and another for data already stored but with intermediate matrices not printed. The congruence coefficient programs include one for data entered as DATA, another for small matrices already stored, and another for large matrices already stored. Cattell's Salient Variable Similarity Index has one program with data entered as DATA, another for small matrices already stored, another for large matrices already stored, and another for large matrices already stored but with printing of the original matrices suppressed. Necessary microcomputer equipment is detailed. Input provisions and output expected are given.
VPI-SAS: Using SAS as an Aid for Evaluating Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory
Authors: Iacono C. U. , Darden J.
Published: March 2007

The program described is designed to score Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI). Output is presented graphically and numerically in five parts. The program is useful in providing the researcher with a method for analyzing and managing large VPI data sets.
A Strategy for the Graphical Representation of Rasch Model Residuals
Authors: Ludlow Larry H.
Published: March 2007

When the parameters of item response data are estimated by alatent trait model, some variation will remain unaccounted underthe model. If baseline graphical configurations of the residualvariation can be constructed, measurement irregularities may beexposed. This paper presents an analytic strategy for the graphicalrepresentation and analysis of Rasch model residuals.
Reliability and Validity of the Language Proficiency Measure
Authors: Powers Stephen , Johnson Donna M. , Slaughter Helen B. , Crowder Christopher , Jones Patricia B.
Published: March 2007

A total of 101 English-speaking Hispanic and 97 Spanish-speaking Hispanic pupils in Grade K-3 were administered the Language Proficiency Measure (LPM). Results indicated that the interrater reliability was adequate, internal-consistency reliability estimates were high, concurrent validity coefficients were adequate, and the classification validity was acceptable. These findings provided substantial evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the LPM.
The Effects of Past Computer Experience on Computerized Aptitude Test Performance
Authors: Lee Jo Ann
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the effects of past computer experience on the computerized aptitude test performance of college students. Subjects were 92 undergraduates. All subjects completed an arithmetic reasoning test by computer and a Computer Experience Questionnaire. Past computer experience did account for a significant amount of variance on the arithmetic reasoning test. Suggestions regarding the future use of computerized aptitude tests are given.
Interfacing Optical Document Scanners:Principles and Practical Considerations
Authors: Krus David J. , Kodimer Dennis
Published: March 2007

Handlers for interfacing the ScanTron 1400 and 2700 Optical Mark Readers with the IBM AT/XT/PC and Tandy 2000/1000/3000 iAPX 88/186/286 based computers were described. Differences between programming an RS232C serial port using BIOS interrupts and directly addressing the Motorola 8550 UART microprocessor were discussed together with general principles of decoding the data stream generated by a scanner.
EXACON: A Fortran 77 Program for the Exact Analysis of Single Cells in a Contingency Table
Authors: Bergman Lars R. , El-Khouri Bassam
Published: March 2007

A program named EXACON is presented which performs exact cellwise analyses of two-way contingency tables. EXACON is written in FORTRAN 77 and is interactive. One-tailed probabilities are computed for the observed frequency of each cell according to two different probability models, one being Fisher's exact test for a 2 x 2 table. Despite the fact that exact probabilities are computed, EXACON does not demand much computer time even for fairly large samples.
Factors Differentiating High and Low Participants in Lifelong Learning
Authors: Livneh Cheryl , Livneh Hanoch
Published: March 2007

The present study explored, among human service professionals, the characteristics which differentiated between lifelong learners and low participants in learning. The Characteristics of Lifelong Learners in the Professions (CLLP) Survey was administered to human service professionals in Southern New England. The responses (n= 195) of the study participants to the survey were factor analyzed, and the factors orthogonally rotated. Factor scales corresponding to the seven CLLP extracted factors and three selected demographic variables were, then, submitted to stepwise discriminant function analysis. The two groups-lifelong learners and low participants in learning-were found to differ significantly on the discriminant function composed of the following five CLLP factors: Educability, Readiness for Change, Future Orientation, Causation for Learning Participation, and Familial Educational Background. None of the demographic variables included contributed significantly to group discrimination. The results are discussed regarding their possible implications for identifying and encouraging potential learners for pursuit of continuing education activities.
The Relationship of Students' Attitudes about Effective Teaching to Students' Ratings of Effective Teaching
Authors: Tollefson Nona , Chen Ju Shan , Kleinsasser Audrey
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the relationship between students' attitudes toward effective teaching, perceptions held by students of their teachers' attitudes toward effective teaching, and ratings by students of their teachers' effectiveness. Students in a sample of 20 classes in a school of education completed the Attitude Toward Effective Teaching Scale (ATET), a measure of the students' attitudes toward the factors that contribute to effective teaching. Students completed the ATET scale a second time with instructions to respond to the scale as they believed their teacher would respond. The second administration provided a measure of the students' perceptions of their teachers' attitudes. A Teacher Rating Scale (TRS) was administered the last week of the semester. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the percentage of variance in end-of-course ratings that could be explained by similarity between students' and teachers' attitudes toward effective teaching.
Predicting Scores on the Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Testing Program Core Battery
Authors: Popovics Alexander J.
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the relationship between scores on the Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Testing Program (PTCTP) Core Battery and SAT scores, high school percentiles, college grade point averages, college credits and age for a sample of female college students. Results revealed many significant (p < .001) correlations. PTCTP Basic Skills and General Knowledge scores correlated highest with SAT scores. PTCTP Professional Knowledge scores correlated highest with college grade point averages.
A Comparison of the Multitrait-Multimethod and Factor Analytic Methods in the Determination of the Discriminant Validity of Three Tests of Creativity
Authors: Bachelor Patricia A.
Published: March 2007

Creativity measurement has been a creative endeavor for researchers and practitioners. A salient characteristic of creativity measurements is their diversity which is indicative of the complexity of the construct and of the multitude of settings under which it is assessed. Creativity is often subjectively assessed; hence judges are expected to be able to distinguish creativity from other constructs such as intelligence, achievement, and originality. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether judges could discriminate validly between the correctness and the originality of responses to three tests of creativity. Evidence of convergent validity is demonstrated when there exists a significant agreement between measurements of the same traits (correctness or originality) with different methods (judges). The multitrait-multimethod procedure was used to assess these validities. The results showed compelling evidence for convergent and discriminant validity of the tests. Factor analysis revealed a factor structure that was generally consistent with the distinction between these two traits.
Behavior of R-Square for Pooled Data Sets
Authors: Adams Arthur J. , Shiffler Ronald E.
Published: March 2007

This paper extends the study of the behavior of the coefficient of determination (r) when two data sets are pooled. The manner and extent that the pooled r2 can vary due to the subgroups' relative location is graphically demonstrated by developing equations for "iso-r2" lines. These results are used to correct misleading statements about pooling effects which appeared in a previous article in this journal.
Paired-Comparisons Intransitivity Related to Age of Subjects
Authors: Riechard Donald E.
Published: March 2007

A stratified random sample of 82 subjects, 4 to 25 years of age, was used to examine relationships between intransitivity of paired-comparison responses and age of subjects. Intransitivity scores of early childhood subjects (4-7 years) were significantly higher than those of the middle childhood group ( p < .05), adolescents ( p < .001), and young adults ( p < .01). Comparisons between other group means were not significant. It was concluded that there is a floor level (6-7 years) below which response intransitivity increases significantly. Above the floor level, intransitivity appears to generalize across age groups. Alternative hypotheses based on a cognitive-developmental theory and a content-specific perspective are given as possible explanations for results.
Convergent Validity of Scales Measuring Computer-Related Attitudes
Authors: Zakrajsek Todd D. , Waters L. K. , Popovich Paula M. , Craft Scott , Hampton William T.
Published: March 2007

The present study examined the convergent validity of seven computer-related attitude scales published between 1982 and 1987. A total of 95 male and 119 female undergraduate students were given the computer attitude scales in randomized order. The correlations among five of these global measures of computer-related attitudes provided strong evidence for convergent validity. There was also support for a differentiation between cognitive and affective reactions toward computers, as assessed by these scales.
The Impact of Positive and Negative Item Stems on the Validity of a Computer Anxiety Scale
Authors: Pilotte William J. , Gable Robert K.
Published: March 2007

For a sample of 270 high school students, the differences between positive and negative item stems are studied using three forms of a computer anxiety scale (original scale, negated items, and mixed stems) to ascertain if the items for each form tended to define a single construct or two different constructs. Internal-consistency estimates of reliability for each form yielded alpha coefficients which ranged from .73 for the mixed-stem format to .95 for the original format. Confirmatory factor analysis (LISREL VI) was employed to test the hypothesis that, for high school students, negative and positive item stems are indicative of different latent variables. The findings tended to support the hypothesis and were consistent with those obtained by other researchers (Benson, 1987 Benson and Hocevar, 1985; Schmitt and Stults, 1985). It was concluded that one should view results with caution when the instrument includes mixed stems, as the two sets of items do not appear to define a single construct.
The Incremental Contribution of an Interview to College Admissions
Authors: Shahani Comila , Dipboye Robert L. , Gehrlein Thomas M.
Published: March 2007

A study was conducted to investigate possible redundancies between interviewer judgments and applicant paper credentials, and the incremental contribution of interviewer judgments to the prediction of selection decisions and future performance. The motivation and oral communication of college applicants were assessed in a face-to-face interview and on the basis of paper credentials. Interviewer judgments provided unique information about applicants and were significantly related to grade point average (GPA). No evidence was found, however, that interviewer judgments contribute incremental variance to the prediction of admissions decisions or to GPA.
Higher-Order Factors in Structure-of-Intellect (SOI) Aptitude Tests Hypothesized to Portray Constructs of Military Leadership: A Re-Analysis of an SOI Data Base
Authors: Ulosevich Steven N. , Michael William B. , Bachelor Patricia
Published: March 2007

Taken from a 1959 research report by Marks, Guilford, and Merrifield, a correlation matrix of 21 structure-of-intellect (SOI) tests intended to reflect aptitudes required in military leadership was re-analyzed through use of relatively objective exploratory factor analytic procedures (varimax and promax solutions for orthogonal and oblique structures, respectively) and through employment of confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analyses. For the sample of 204 Marine officers, only modest correspondence was found in the exploratory analyses between the solution by Marks et al. based on the orthogonal rotation of factor axes from a centroid matrix and the factor solutions obtained from application of the varimax and promax methods of rotation. An evaluation of selected alternative models comprising first-order and higher-order factors involving use of LISREL methodology revealed that a two-factor oblique model affording a separation of semantic and figural contents yielded the greatest promise in accounting for the covariation among the 21 aptitude tests. A higher-order oblique factor model furnishing a differentiation among three psychological operations of cognition, divergent production, and evaluation ranked second in its capability of reproducing the original correlation matrix. The conclusion was reached that the covariance among these aptitude tests can be meaningfully conceptualized within higher-order factor structures. A short discussion highlights possible difficulties and limitations likely to be realized in establishing the construct validity of the hypothesized first-order dimensions within the structure-of-intellect model.
Maximizing the Coefficient of Generalizability in Decision Studies
Authors: Goldstein Zvi , Marcoulides George A.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents an efficient search procedure for determining the optimal number of observations of facets in a design that maximize generalizability when resource constraints are imposed. The procedure is illustrated for a three- and four-facet, fully crossed design, and extensions are presented for other design configurations.
Cross Cultural Model Testing: Inventory of School Motivation
Authors: McInerney Dennis M. , Sinclair Kenneth E.
Published: March 2007

This study was concerned with the factorial validation of the Inventory of School Motivation (ISM), an instrument based on a theory of personal investment and the possible use of derived ISM factor scales as predictors of student motivation to continue with schooling for three cultural groups (aboriginal, anglo, and migrant). Responses to the ISM from a total of 2152 Australian secondary students were subjected to principal axis factor analyses which yielded factor scales congruent with the personal investment theory and which were employed as variables in a series of discriminant analyses. The findings supported the usefulness of both the theoretical framework as well as the validity of the ISM in analyzing influential motivational variables for individuals from different cultural groups in educational settings.
The Use of API Career Factors as Holland Occupational Types
Authors: Ahadi Stephan A.
Published: March 2007

As a modern version of the 16PF, the Adult Personality Inventory (API) was designed to report scale scores that provided more information and were more useful to psychologists than the underlying 16 factors. This was accomplished by generating a set of 21 scales that are linear combinations of the original 16 factors. Six of the API scales have been labeled the Career Factors and may correspond to Holland's occupational types. The purpose of the present study was to help determine the extent to which the API Career Factors could indeed be employed as Holland occupational types. To make this determination, mean API profiles for various occupational groups were matched with occupational groups from an index of occupational codes provided by Holland and tested for profile congruency. The results indicated that there exists a good degree of congruence between the Holland occupational codes and the API Career Factors. It was concluded that, in general, the API Career Factors can be conceptualized as Holland occupational types and used accordingly.
Perceptions of Organizational Politics Scale (POPS): Development and Construct Validation
Authors: Kacmar K. Michele , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: March 2007

Organizational politics has been referred to as omnipresent as well as elusive. This elusiveness arises because of the lack of a clear understanding of what constitutes organizational politics. The present paper introduces a new scale that purports to measure perceptions of organizational politics. The development and refinement of the scale along with validation procedures are presented.
Determining Effect Sizes in Various Experimental Designs
Authors: Seifert Timothy L.
Published: March 2007

The use of the effect size as an indicator of experimental effect and its use in meta-analytic research points to its emerging importance in research. This paper presents techniques for use in meta-analytic research to obtain effect sizes when information is missing from the original article. These techniques involve reconstruction of the value of MSW to use as an estimate of within group variance for the calculation of effect sizes. Additionally, the paper presents suggestions for researchers when dealing with higher-order factorial designs.
The Development and Concurrent Validity of the Procrastination Scale
Authors: Tuckman Bruce W.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop a self-report measure of procrastination tendencies and to investigate its relationship to a behavioral measure of procrastination and to a self-report measure of general self-efficacy. In a pilot study, the 72-item scale in a 4-point Likert-type response format was developed and administered to 50 college juniors and seniors. A factor analysis of the results yielded two factors which formed the basis for reducing the scale to 35 items with a resulting reliability of .90. The relationship between scores on the 35-item instrument and performance on a self-regulated performance task called the Voluntary Homework System (VHS) yielded a correlation of -.54, and a coefficient of -.47 was observed between the 35-item scale and the General Self-Efficacy Test (GSE; both correlations of p < .001). The correlation between GSE and VHS scores was .29 ( p < .05). In a subsequent study of 183 college students, a factor analysis of scores on the 35-item scale yielded a single-factor structure and a condensed scale of 16 items with a reliability of .86. This shortened version of the procrastination scale was recommended for use as a means of detecting students who may tend to procrastinate in the completion of college requirements.
DIF: A Computer Program for the Analysis of Differential Item Performance
Authors: Klieme Eckhard , Stumpf Heinrich
Published: March 2007

A FORTRAN 77 program is presented which performs analyses of differential item performance in psychometric tests. The program performs the Mantel-Haenszel procedure and computes various additional classical indices of differential item functioning (including discrimination indices) as well as associated effect size measures.
Group Heterogeneity And Pearson's r
Authors: Huck Schuyler W.
Published: March 2007

For many who deal with correlation (as students, teachers, or applied researchers), the connection between group heterogeneity and the magnitude of Pearson's r is difficult to pin down. Confusion abounds because factors that increase score variability do not have a similar effect on r. Three such factors are considered in this paper, with the point made that an increase in ßr (and/or in ßy) can be associated with an increase or a decrease in r-or possibly with no change in r whatsoever! A helpful distinction is also drawn between (a) properties of the persons or objects that define one's population of interest and (b) properties of the numbers assigned to those persons or objects (or a sample of them) as a result of the measurement process.
Stability and Change in Abilities for a Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Dawis Rene V. , Goldman Steven H. , Sung Yong H.
Published: March 2007

The Ball Aptitude Battery, a multiple ability test battery, was administered to 121 young adults at age 18 and readministered at age 22. Test-retest correlations for individual tests ranged from .30 to .90, the highest coefficients (rtts above .75) being observed on tests measuring (a) vocabulary, (b) hand and arm strength, (c) spatial ability, and (d) detail perception. Significant growth in ability (positive change scores) was observed on tests measuring (a) vocabulary, (b) reasoning ability, (c) detail perception, (d) spatial ability, and (e) hand and arm strength. Significant decline was observed on tests measuring finger dexterity. The test battery's factor structure remained relatively stable over the 4 years. Test profiles were largely stable over time with respect to rank order of scores. Gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status had only slight influence on ability change.
The Development and Factor Structure of the Educational Beliefs Questionnaire
Authors: Silvernail David L.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate the construct validity of the self-reporting Educational Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ). Using the theoretical descriptions of five distinct educational philosophies provided in educational foundations literature, a 25-item Likert-type draft scale was developed and responses were collected from a volunteer sample of 610 K-12 teachers. A factor analysis employing maximum-likelihood extraction procedures with varimax rotation was used in examining the factor structure of the scale. This analysis resulted in a three-factor solution yielding a final 20-item version of the EBQ. This version contained three subscales which assessed the educational orientations of perennialism, romanticism, and progressivism.
An Examination of the Factor Structures and Concurrent Validities for the Computer Attitude Scale, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Computer Self-Efficacy Scale
Authors: Harrison Allison W. , Rainer R. Kelly
Published: March 2007

Data collected from 693 university personnel were used to evaluate the factor structures and concurrent validity of the Computer Attitude Scale, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Computer Self-Efficacy Scale. Principal factor analyses for each of the three scales resulted in interpretable factor solutions with high alpha reliabilities. Intercorrelations among the derived factors demonstrated the concurrent validity of the three instruments.
A Comparison of two Methods of Test Equating in the Rasch Model
Authors: Smith Richard M. , Kramer Gene A.
Published: March 2007

Two approaches to equating, the common item equating method (weighted and unweighted) and the one-step, missing data calibration method, used with Rasch (1960/1980) measurement models are compared. The data used in the analysis were taken from six equivalent forms of a perceptual ability test administered as part of the Dental Admission Test. Simulated data patterned after the observed item difficulties were also analyzed to form a frame of reference against which to judge the accuracy of the equating. The results indicate that there is very little difference among the three methods of equating even in the presence of measurement disturbances such as guessing.
Validation of the Job Desirability Exercise: A Decision-Modeling Experiment for Measuring the Need for Socialized Power
Authors: Butler John K. , Stahl Michael J.
Published: March 2007

A new behavioral measure of the need for socialized power was developed and tested. No previous attempt has been made to measure this construct. Participants were 267 graduate and undergraduate business majors. The new instrument was found to possess adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and to avoid social desirability response bias. Correlations with other variables and confirmation of six hypotheses supported construct validity. These results are discussed in light of further validation of the instrument.
Validity Studies the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale (Comqol): Instrument Development and Psychometric Evaluation on College Staff and Students
Authors: Cummins Robert A. , Mccabe Marita P. , Romeo Yolanda , Gullone Eleonora
Published: March 2007

This article describes the development and validation of a new 35-item, multidimensional Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale (ComQol). Psychometric properties of the scale are described. Consistency between the data yielded by the scale and findings reported in the literature are argued to support the validity of the instrument. It is concluded that ComQol constitutes a unique and comprehensive measure of the quality of life construct.
Effects of Ability, High School Achievement, and Procrastinatory Behavior on College Performance
Authors: Wesley Joseph C.
Published: March 2007

Ability, high school achievement, and procrastinatory behavior are tested as predictors of college performance in 194 women and 54 men. Ability was operationalized by total Scholastic Aptitude Test score, achievement by average grade earned in high school, and procrastination by score on the Procrastination Assessment Scale (PASS). It was hypothesized that procrastination could account for variance beyond that explained by ability and high school achievement in predicting college grade point average (GPA). Self-handicapping, a form of excuse making, was also included as a predictor. Results showed that procrastination does account for a significant portion of variance in college grades beyond that explained by ability and high school grades. For men, high school achievement was the strongest predictor of college performance; for women, ability was the strongest predictor. Self-handicapping did not account for any variance in GPA.
Comparative Validity of Two Measures of Self-Efficacy in Predicting Academic Goals and Performance
Authors: Mone Mark A.
Published: March 2007

Two unexplored issues in goal theory concern (a) the different predictive utility of outcome versus process self-efficacy and (b) the differences in static versus dynamic levels of self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance. This study examined these issues, using repeated measures of outcome versus process self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance over 3 months from 252 management students in an academic achievement setting. After establishing a baseline to replicate past research concerning self-efficacy, personal goal, and performance relationships, determinants of change in these variables were investigated. Outcome self-efficacy results in higher validity for predicting personal goals and performance than process self-efficacy; however, process self-efficacy significantly predicts outcome self-efficacy. Additionally, personal goals directly affect self-efficacy, self-efficacy does not directly affect change in performance, and self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance reciprocally affect each other.
Estimating the Power to Detect Dichotomous Moderators with Moderated Multiple Regression
Authors: Aguinis Herman , Pierce Charles A. , Stone-Romero Eugene F.
Published: March 2007

A QuickBASIC program for estimating the statistical power to detect the effects of dichotomous moderator variables using moderated multiple regression (MMR) is available. The program runs on IBM and IBM-compatible personal computers and estimates power based on specific values for (a) total sample size, (b) sample sizes across the two categories of the hypothesized moderator, and (c) correlation coefficients between predictor and criterion scores for each of the two moderator-based subgroups. The compiled run time and source code versions of the program can be obtained from the first author.
Unidimensional Versus Domain Representative Parceling of Questionnaire Items: An Empirical Example
Authors: Kishton Joseph M. , Widaman Keith F.
Published: March 2007

Two alternative methods for parceling questionnaire items for use in confirmatory analyses are presented. The first method requires that parcels must (a) pass a minimum standard of reliability and (b) provide indications of unidimensionality to be retained for analysis. The second method requires that parcels be equally representative of the multiple aspects of a domain. The parcels may then serve as adequate indicators for the general construct. The latter method is consistent with the rationale underlying aggregation of measures, a procedure currently recommended for improving the psychometric properties of behavioral measures of personality. The two methods for parceling and a comparison are illustrated with an empirical example.
The Relationship between the Career Maturity Inventory and Appropriateness of Career Choices of Black Adolescents
Authors: Westbrook Bert W. , Wynne D. Carol
Published: March 2007

In a study of 47 Black ninth-grade students, scores on the Self-Appraisal subtest of the Career Maturity Inventory Competence Test did not correlate significantly with scores on a measure of appropriateness of career choices. Although not consistent with theoretical expectation, the data are consistent with previous research.