A note on "MMPI scale development methodology"

Clopton's recent article (1978) in JPA calls attention to methodological problems in the construction of special inventories from the MMPI pool, but overlooks the major problem. It stems from the theoretical correlation between psychopathology and the construct to be measured by the special inventory. This contamination renders the usual validity demonstration questionable. It is pointed out that there is a good number of special inventories that are not subject to the methodological problems noted by Clopton.     

A note on reliability

A formula for internal consistency reliability is developed within the framework of the analysis of variance. The test items are assumed to be homogeneous, but may have any weights. Data needed for computation are the student test scores, and the total number of items answered so as to have the same weight. It is shown that this formula reduces to the Kuder-Richardson (21) for item weights of one and zero. Some empirical validation is offered.Social Security Board (on military leave.)     

A note on Tryon's measure of reliability

Two alternative formulas, based upon the analysis of variance, are given for Tryon's general form for the reliability coefficient.     

An "open-transformed scale" for correcting ceiling effects and enhancing retest reliability: the example of pain

The use of closed scales (with anchors at each end) to measure pain was found to produce ceiling effects characterized by a deceleration of ratings toward the upper end of the scale. This was consistent with previous research. Apart from producing nonlinear functions, the closed scale also limited test-retest reliability because of subjects' tendencies to correct their distorted ratings in subsequent trials. However, an open-ended scale coupled with transformation of reported ratings into a decile scale virtually eliminated the ceiling effect, thus producing consistently linear functions and maximizing test-retest reliability. This finding may have implications for the measurement of other sensory and psychological phenomena, especially those in which the property evaluated varies in a continuous fashion.     

人情的心理学探析

人情是一个"通俗化了的流行观念"。在中国,有关人情的研究主要集中在两个方面,一是关于人情涵义的探讨,二是有关人情法则的界定。本文采用文献综述的方法阐述了"人情"内涵的衍变,并指出了它对当代中国人际关系的重大意义。     

A note on interobserver reliability for sequential data

It is well accepted that reliability measures based on simple frequency counts of designated codes are inappropriate for sequential analysis. The stricter point-by-point method, however, is problematic, particularly because it is too strict. It is suggested that a less strict reliability measure based on the number of transitions be used. This method also avoids problems encountered with the point-by-point method and another less stringent method.     

A note on the calculation of weights for maximum battery reliability

Weights may be determined for combining tests so that the composite has maximum reliability, but the calculation of these weights by means of the original equations is cumbersome. It is shown that the desired weighted composite is the first principal axis of a matrix closely related to the intercorrelation matrix. Thus, simple and straightforward procedures are available for calculating the weights.     

SVIB revisions and factors affecting scale reliability

The 1966 SVIB scoring keys were investigated and found to contain an average of 214 fewer items per occupational scale than the 1938 scoring keys. The shorter scales are less reliable than the longer scales on the 1966 SVIB. The shorter scales in the 1966 edition and SCII contain items which differentiate criterion group members less well than do the longer scales. There may not be a wide enough range of item content on the SCII to develop reliable (and valid?) scales for certain occupations. Equivalence between the 1938 and 1966 editions functionally is low, as evidenced by the median correlation of .47 in the present 12-yr follow-up study for 40 occupational scales.     

Evidence of reliability and validity for the Universal Orientation scale

The relationships of Universal Orientation with Right-Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation were examined in two studies. Undergraduate students from various universities completed three measures. 314 participated in Study 1 and 461 participated in Study 2. Scores on the Universal Orientation scale correlated weakly with those on the Right-Wing Authoritarianism scale (r = -.14 for both samples) and moderately with the Social Dominance Orientation scale (r = -.50 for Sample 1 and r = -.36 for Sample 2). Low Cronbach alphas for the Universal Orientation scale (alpha = .68 for the first sample and alpha = .60 for the second sample) suggest the scale requires revision.