Development and validity of a Dutch version of the Remote Associates Task: An item-response theory approach

The Remote Associates Test (RAT) developed by Mednick and Mednick (1967) is known as a valid measure of creative convergent thinking. We developed a 30-item version of the RAT in Dutch with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85) and applied both Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory (IRT) to provide measures of item difficulty and discriminability, construct validity, and reliability. IRT was further used to construct a shorter version of the RAT, which comprises of 22 items but still shows good reliability and validity—as revealed by its relation to Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices test, another insight-problem test, and Guilford's Alternative Uses Test.     

Statistical Aspects of Baseline Assessment and its Relationship to End of Key Stage One Assessment

The current proliferation of baseline assessment schemes for Reception pupils has a number of aims, one of which involves the concept of 'value-added' from Reception to Key Stage 1. This paper looks at results from data collected for three baseline schemes, and investigates what can be said about national levels of performance. It also looks at evidence on relationships between baseline and Key Stage 1 test results, and critically evaluates the extent to which such data can be used for 'value-added' analyses.     

Mary just hit tommy—again!

Early Childhood Education Journal -     

Parent Reports of Behavioral and Emotional Problems among Children in Kenya, Thailand, and the United States

The behavioral and emotional problems children develop may differ from one cultural context to another. We explored this possibility, comparing 11–15-year-old Embu children in Kenya, Thai children, African-American children, and Caucasian-American children. Standardized parent reports on 118 problems revealed 62 significant ( p < .01) culture effects. Caucasian-Americans were rated particularly high on undercontrolled problems (e.g., arguing, disobedient at home, cruel to others). Embu children were rated particularly high on overcontrolled problems (e.g., fears, feels guilty, somatic concerns), largely because of the numerous somatic problems reported. The findings may relate to the strict emphasis on compliance and obedience among the Embu, as opposed to the greater independence permitted in the United States. But alternative interpretations are discussed as well, including the effects of parent sensitivities and Third World living conditions.