Abstract
A preliminary study tested the reliability and validity of an instrument that was constructed to identify and measure the various dimensions, tasks, and worker characteristics associated with performing the functions of a director of forensics. Three-part questionnaires were mailed to 210 forensics programs, representing both public and private institutions of varying sizes, and all types of forensics programs. Sixty-three of 205 deliverable surveys were returned, for a response rate of 31%. Results indicated that the instrument: (1) must include the fine "essential" dimensions (accounting and bookkeeping, administering the speech/debate program, arranging students' participation in off-campus tournaments, coaching speech/debate participants, and recruiting students for the speech/debate program); (2) should include the three "relevant" dimensions (directing on-campus tournaments; counseling and advising speech/debate students; and teaching a speech/debate class); and (3) may include the two "possibly relevant" dimensions (college/university and community service involvement, and moderating speech/debate student groups). Utilizing the write-in responses as a preliminary test of validity, the instrument was determined to have a high content validity. Findings suggest that the evaluation instrument appears to be generalizable to all types of programs in all types and sizes of institutions. (Two tables of data are included; 17 references and the questionnaire used to test the evaluation instrument are attached.) (RS)