In this study, we analyze the relative efficacy of normative and ipsative measures for the study of intra-and interindividual differences in child ability. With the use of representative data sets, including the WISC-R national standardization sample, purely ipsatized (or deviational ipsative) subtest scores were contrasted with conventional norm-based scores in terms of the evidential and consequential bases for validity. Internal and external evidence for validity was assessed for relative convergence of ability attributes, short-and Paul A. McDermott long-term stability, and predictive efficiency. Comparative utility of each type of measure was explored for theoretical relevance, applicability in measurement work, and assessment of individualized intervention outcomes. Ipsative ability measures were found to be uniformly inferior to their normative counterparts, with ipsative measures conveying no uniquely useful information and otherwise impeding the versatility of assessment.

The various techniques available for comparing factor-patterns may be conveniently classified according to the type of measurement scale for which each is most appropriate. If the factor loadings be regarded as based simply on a ' nominal ' scale (i.e. on a dichotomous distinction between salient and nonsalient loadings), then a quick working procedure can be derived which, being non-parametric, avoids the questionable assumption that the loadings are normally distributed. The test so obtained proves less powerful than a parametric test, but has special advantages both theoretical and practical. Rotated Factors. Princeton : Educational Testing Service.rp and other coefficients of pattern similarity.Psychol. Rev., LVII, 38-53. Mathematics, measurement, and psychophysics.A method for synthesis of factor analysis studies.

The analysis of data collected from behavioral assessment instruments is typically conducted using parametric statistics, with little or no reference given to the underlying nature of the scale being used. If the nature of the distances between the scale points is not understood, the concept of normality of the distribution becomes clouded. An empirical approach to studying this problem was developed, using responses to a clinical performance evaluation instrument that uses a four-point behaviorally-anchored scale. Various combinations of nonlinear transformations were applied to the evaluation responses. The factorial structure of the fifteen items constituting the evaluation form was minimally affected by the transformations, suggesting that parametric statistics can be applied to behaviorally-anchored rating scales.

AND ANDREW R BAGGALEY, University oj Wisconsin-Milwaukee1 HE PRESENT Study IS Concerned with the confirmation and amplification of principles and devices already shown to have some degree of validity in a series of previous studies (13,14, 16) on the objective measurement of attitude and motivation strength By objective methods of measurement we mean those which do not depend, as in the opinionaire methods of Guttman, Likert, Thurstone and others (1, 26, 29), on conscious self-evaluation and selfrevelation, nor on acceptance of verbal responses as having their usual symbolic meaning Responses in all devices (verbal or nonverbal) symptomatic of attitudes are liable to some distortion from irrelevant or ulterior motives when the 5* knows that his attitudes are being examined Objective devices do not completely avoid this but are defined as those in which (a) the 5" is not easily able to perceive by what aspects of his behavior the attitudes in which the psychologist IS interested are revealed (or does not know what the relation is between the behavior which he is willingly showing and '

Students of motivation have long sought an objective methodology for disentangling dynamic trait structure, as represented practically in clinical and social problems and theoretically in such schemes as the dynamic lattice (2). It has recently been shown that a flexible use of factor analysis can structure dynamic traits as readily as abilities. Three previous studies (I, 7, 9) have shown that if a sufficiently wide variety of attitude-interests, concerned with many different emotional qualities of interests and many aspects of a man's life, is appropriately factor analysed one can obtain the primary drive patterns familiar to the clinician plus factors corresponding td sentiments or learned structures, reflecting social institutions (2). Although this general conclusion can be considered confirmed in terms of adequacy of samples and statistical method, the earlier objective attitude measures per se were of rather limited comprehensiveness. There was a degree of uncertainty in the findings about sentiment patterns. This indicated the desirability of checking with improved measures, as well as with a substantial, improved assortment of attitudes.A preceding study (6) has concentrated on this problem of developing more valid objective measures. Self-assessment types of measures (2, pp. 53-5) were avoided, and 55 other types of principles and devices were tried with the result that a sufficient number were found to have validity in terms of correlation with three major 'motivation component' factors. These components have been tentatively identified as the ego, id, and superego components in any attitude-interest. 1The term engram defines any acquired pattern of attitudes, as defined elsewhere Q) and covers sentiments, and complexes and possibly other learnt patterns not et known. These 'motivational component' or quality factors reported earlier (6) should be dearly distinguished from the 'dynamic structure' factors to be reported in this monograph. The former are factors in manifestations of motive, present in any attitude-interest whatsoever, as the ego, id and superego identifications of the preceding 3 These tables have been deposited as Document number 5743 with the AD1 Auxiliary Publications Project, Photoduplication Service, Library of Congress, Washington 25, D.C. A copy may be secured by citing the Document number and by remitting $125 for photoprints, or $1.25 for 35 mm. microfilm. Advance payment is required. Make cheques or money orders payable to: Chief, Photoduplication Service. Library of Congress.