Generalizability theory offers an extensive conceptual framework and a powerful set of statistical procedures for characterizing and quantifying the fallibility of measurements. Robert Brennan, the author, has written the most comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of generalizability theory. The book provides a synthesis of those parts of the statistical literature that are directly applicable to generalizability theory. The principal intended audience is measurement practitioners and graduate students in the behavioral and social sciences, although a few examples and references are provided from other fields. Readers will benefit from some familiarity with classical test theory and analysis of variance, but the treatment of most topics does not presume specific background.

Grounded in state-of-the-art research, this practical guide comprehensively shows how to harness the potential of direct behavior rating (DBR) as a tool for assessment, intervention, and communication in schools. DBR can be used rapidly and efficiently in PreK-12 classrooms to support positive behavior and promote self-management. The authors and contributors provide concrete examples of ways to implement DBR strategies within multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). The evidence base supporting each strategy is reviewed. More than 30 reproducible checklists and forms include step-by-step implementation blueprints, daily report cards, and more. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

In this volume, Shavelson and Webb offer an intuitive development of generalizability theory and cover a wide variety of topics such as generalizability studies with nested facets and with fixed facets, measurement error and generalizability coefficients, and decision studies with same and with different designs. Detailed illustrations, examples and exercises all serve to clearly describe the logic underlying major concepts in generalizability theory and assist readers in applying these methods when investigating the consistency of their own measurements.

This volume guides its reader through the basics of reliability, with an emphasis on what and how to include relevant information in the methods and results sections of professional papers. The author offers examples of good and bad write-ups.

For centuries the "treatment" of mentally disturbed individuals was quite simple. They were accused of collusion with evil spirits, hunted, and persecuted. The last "witch" was killed as late as 1782 in Switzerland. Mentally disturbed people did not fare much better even when the witchhunting days were gone. John Christian Reil gave the following description of mental pa tients at the crossroads of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries: We incarcerate these miserable creatures as if they were criminals in abandoned jails, near to the lairs of owls in barren canyons beyond the city gates, or in damp dungeons of prisons, where never a pitying look of a humanitarian penetrates; and we let them, in chains, rot in their own excrement. Their fetters have eaten off the flesh of their bones, and their emaciated pale faces look expectantly toward the graves which will end their misery and cover up our shamefulness. (1803) The great reforms introduced by Philippe Pinel at Bicetre in 1793 augured the beginning of a new approach. Pinel ascribed the "sick role," and called for compas sion and help. One does not need to know much about those he wants to hurt, but one must know a lot in order to help. Pinel's reform was followed by a rapid develop ment in research of causes, symptoms, and remedies of mental disorders. There are two main prerequisites for planning a treatment strategy.

Focusing on the conceptual understanding of psychometric issues such as validity and reliability this textbook introduces psychometric principles at a level that goes into more detail than introductory undergraduate texts, yet also more intuitive than more technical publications intended for postgraduate level. By emphasizing conceptual development and practical significance over mathematical proofs, this book assists students in appreciating how measurement problems can be addressed and why it is important to address them.