Discusses the inconsistent and shifting ways in which the U.S. Census treats race, color, and ethnicity. Suggests that long-term conceptual frameworks be developed so that the next census will not produce uneven categories based on unequal assumptions. (EVL)

Formulas for estimating cross-validated hit-rates, the number of correct classifications into an a priori grouping structure, were examined. The following mathematical formulas were compared: McLachlan's formula estimator, two Snappin and Knoke smoothed formula estimators, and the analytic leave-one-out estimator. The R method was included as a…

Pratt's measure C on the class concentration of bibliometric distributions is calculated and interpreted for the laws of Zipf, Mandelbrot, and Lotka and geometric distribution, and comparisons are made of the results. An explicit mathematical formula which unifies disparate theories is derived and tested. (Author/CLB)

This paper discusses the principles underlying discriminant analysis and constructs a simulated data set to illustrate its methods. Discriminant analysis is a multivariate technique for identifying the best combination of variables to maximally discriminate between groups. Discriminant functions are established on existing groups and used to…

This paper reviews recent research in the Netherlands on the application of decision theory to test-based decision making about personnel selection and student placement. The review is based on an earlier model proposed for the classification of decision problems, and emphasizes an empirical Bayesian framework. Classification decisions with…

The sequential probability ratio test (SPRT), developed by Abraham Wald, is one statistical model available for making mastery decisions during computer-based criterion referenced tests. The predictive validity of the SPRT was empirically investigated with two different and relatively large item pools with heterogeneous item parameters. Graduate…