Thesis--Wisconsin. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-98).

Theses (Ed.S.)--Marshall University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Includes abstract. Document formatted into pages: contains 16 p. Bibliography: p. 15-16.

In response to the growing demand for a test of cognitive ability for South African adults, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) adapted the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, third edition (WAIS-III) for English-speaking South Africans. However, since the publication of the South African adaptation in 2001, there has been some concern whether some bias may not still be present in the measure. Consequently, this study aimed to qualitatively explore the item content of the South African adaptation of the WAIS-III in order to identify items that might still be potentially biased with specific reference to cultural and linguistic issues. The researcher employed purposive sampling, a non-probability technique, to select psychology professionals to act as expert reviewers. The sample consisted of 20 registered psychologists, psychology lecturers and psychology interns from the predominant culture and language groups of the Eastern and Western Cape. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected by means of a Bias Review Questionnaire which consisted of fixed-choice questions, as well as sections in which specific comments could be indicated. The questionnaire was distributed to 20 selected participants who were qualified to administer psychometric measures and were registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Qualitative data was analysed using Tesch’s model of thematic content analysis, and five main themes relating to potential bias were identified, namely: Culture, Language, Education, Socio-economic status, and Format. The qualitative data was re-submitted to the expert review group for approval and further comment. Quantitative data obtained from the Bias Review Questionnaire was analysed by obtaining frequency counts, which were converted to percentages, per subtest and aspect reviewed. The major findings of the study were as follows: 1. Cultural bias is evident in the South African adaptation of the WAIS-III. The differential meanings ascribed to concepts, terms, phrases and words by diverse cultures impact on test performance, as does familiarity with stimulus materials used in the measure. 2. Language bias was detected against groups with English as their second or third language owing to the unfamiliar, and sometimes archaic, terms and vocabulary used in the measure. The intended meanings of the translated items are unclear and confusing for test-takers. 3. South African test-takers have experienced vastly divergent educational opportunities which impact on intelligence test performance. The measure contains potential bias against individuals from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. 4. The content of the items is not relevant to test-takers from deprived socioeconomic backgrounds that have been unable to access good-quality education. 5. Format bias was found to exist with respect to the timed tests. Cultural groups who do not value speededness are disadvantaged by the structure and format of the measure. Based on the findings of this study, certain recommendations were made. These include: 1. Additional qualitative investigation of the WAIS-III , with a view to further adaptation in an effort to eradicate bias on cultural or linguistic grounds, and 2. Conducting further Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analyses and establishing construct equivalence across cultural and linguistic groups to promote this objective. Among the contributions believed to have been made by this study are the identification of potentially biased subtests and items on the grounds of culture and language, which will facilitate possible further revision and adaptation of the measure. Additionally, the variables that were considered important influencing factors of cognitive test performance have been documented and are accessible for future research that will supplement the present study.

No description available.

Magister Commercii - MCom / Research (Sartain et al., 2006) indicates that engagement demands a more thoughtful way to address the everyday realities of organisational life. The current research endeavours to elucidate the relationship between emotional intelligence and work engagement amongst leaders in a financial service organisation undergoing change. / South Africa

The purpose of this study was two-fold. First, this study compared the performance of children on the WPPSI-R with their performance on the Slosson Intelligence Test. Secondly, this study explored the comparability of minority and non-minority students' scores on the WPPSI-R. Seventy five children between 3 and 7 years of age were administered the WPPSI-R and Slosson. Of this sample, 25 children were White, 25 children were Black, and 25 children were Mexican American. Low, but significant correlations were found between WPPSI-R and Slosson scores. The Vocabulary subscale of the WPPSI-R correlated highest, while the Geometric Design subscale correlated the lowest with the Slosson test scores. Further analyses indicated that White children obtained significantly higher scores on the WPPSI-R than both Black and Mexican American children.

The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) and Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT) were designed, at least in part, to provide a quick estimate of scores which might be obtained on the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Form L -M, without requiring extensive technical training by the examiner. Both the PPVT-R and SIT are frequently used as screening instruments to identify children for possible placement in special education programs, remedial reading groups, speech and language therapy, gifted programs, or "tracks." This study investigated the value of the PPVT-R and SIT as screening instruments for the Fourth Edition Stanford-Binet.Fifty students, grades kindergarten through fifth, were randomly selected to participate in the study. All subjects were involved in regular education at least part-time. Subjects were administered the PPVT R, SIT, and Fourth Edition Binet by a single licensed school psychologist. The administration order of the instruments was randomized. Participants were tested on consecutive school days (10) until all subjects had been administered the three instruments.Correlation coefficients were determined for the Standard Score of the PPVT-R and each Standard Age Score of the Binet (four area scores and one total test score), as well as for the SIT IQ score and each Standard Age Score of the Binet. All correlations were positive and significant beyond the p<.Ol level except between the PPVT-R and Binet Quantitative Reasoning.Analyses of Variance were used to determine mean differences of scores obtained on the three instruments. Significant differences (p<.05) were found between scores on the PPVT-R and Abstract/Visual Reasoning, SIT and Verbal Reasoning, SIT and Short-Term Memory, SIT and Abstract/Visual Reasoning, and SIT and Total Test Composite.Results indicated that, in general, the SIT is a better predictor of Fourth Edition Binet scores than the PPVT R, however frequently yielded significantly different scores. It was concluded that neither the PPVT R nor SIT should be used as a substitute for more comprehensive measures of intellectual functioning, and caution should be used when interpreting their results. Much more research is needed to clarify the diagnostic value of the Fourth Edition Stanford-Binet as a psychometric instrument.

Through varying personnel selection methods, corporations have obtained top minds that own the abilities to promote the companies¡¦ competitiveness. Among these methods, psychological tests, due to their characteristics of being objective, scientific and low-cost, have been adopted by more and more employers. This paper is to examine whether the content of these tests conforms to the standards for evaluating standardized tests. The examination is done by analyzing tests materials collected from human resource consulting companies and professional psychological test publishers. The data used in this research come mostly from the Internet. They are classified into three categories: General information, technical information, and practical evaluation. Among the three, the amount of practical evaluation information, which relates mainly to the quality of a test, is the least. My survey shows that personality tests are the major development tests of human resource consulting companies and professional psychological test publishers, and that human resource consulting companies have got the advantage of developing psychological tests.

国立情報学研究所で電子化したコンテンツを使用している。

国立情報学研究所で電子化したコンテンツを使用している。