The relative efficiency of two tests as a function of ability level

A new formula is developed for the relative efficiency of two tests measuring the same trait. The formula expresses relative efficiency solely in terms of the standard errors of measurement and, surprisingly, the frequency distributions of true scores. Approximate methods for estimating relative efficiency may make this function routinely available. A numerical illustration compares new and old estimates of relative efficiency for subtests from the Scholastic Aptitude Test.Research reported in this paper has been supported by grant GB-32781X from National Science Foundation.     

The relation of primary mental abilities to activity preferences

The relations of abilities, as measured by Thurstone'sTests for Primary Mental Abilities, to activity preferences, as measured by Kuder'sPreference Record, are investigated for a population of 512 university freshmen. Ability profiles for contrasted groups on each preference scale reveal relatively slight overlapping between the two sets of measures, although the apparent trends are reasonable. The Pearson inter-correlation coefficients of all pairs of measures involved were determined. Implications of the findings in relation to theory and to educational and vocational guidance are indicated.     

The War Between Faith and Fact

Is there a war going on between science and religion or not? The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences and many other bridge-building advocates deny that a war must be fought between genuine science and authentic faith. Yet, a new book, Faith vs. Fact, by Jerry Coyne, launches a new attack against those with faith in God. This essay asks whether such an attack comes from genuine science or from scientism—a materialist ideology that claims rational science as its ally.     

Francis Collins,the Skeptics,and Evidence for God

Skeptical Inquirer magazine has published an attempted refutation of Francis Collins' book, The Language of God. The refutation argues that Collins lacks scientific evidence for God and that Collins actually appeals not to evidence, but to personal belief. In refutation of this refutation, Ted Peters argues that Collins plays completely within the rules of scientific discourse while providing rational evidence—though not conclusive proof—for the existence of God as creator and moral lawgiver.