Three procedures that help to determine the degree of confidence we can place in any raw score are discussed: computing the standard error of measurement, computing the estimated true score, and constructing confidence intervals. These three procedures are easy to use and require only elementary mathematical skills. (Author/CL)

This paper outlines the problems associated with the estimation of variance components in generalizability analyses using analysis of variance software, and discusses the most useful software currently available for this specialist application: the MIVQUE method of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) procedure VARCOMP. (Author)

Mathematical and statistical relationships between factor analysis and smallest space analysis are discussed. As spatial analysis of correlation matrices, factor analysis is a special case of smallest space analysis. The two differ in six ways: Shepard diagram, dimensionality, correction for communality, similarity coefficients, regions versus…

When reporting results, researchers must not change predetermined significance levels. Such attempts to make results more significant are statistically inaccurate, illogical, and unethical. American Psychological Association standards for reporting significance should be more explicit. (CP)

Suggestions are made on effective presentations by evaluators of research studies to audiences who are not statisticians. Examples of effective presentation methods are given: analogies in presenting statistics; graphs or pictorial presentations; summaries to highlight findings; concise reports based on a television newscast style; and judicial…

"Seven Rules for Social Research" teaches social scientists how to get the most out of their technical skills and tools, providing a resource that fully describes the strategies and concepts no researcher or student of human behavior can do without. Glenn Firebaugh provides indispensable practical guidance for anyone doing research in the social…

This is a book about quality and how to control quality through deliberate actions on the part of the professionals developing and implementing the instances of instruction available at an organization. Quality control theory favors no particular learning philosophy and is only directed towards aspects of how, what, where and when measurements are…

A guide to survey research is presented for both novice and experienced researchers. Steps of the survey research process are covered: (1) planning the survey to determine the purpose of the study, collecting background information, designing the sample, and making a time line for completing the project; (2) questionnaire design, including the…

Describes a practical approach that teachers can use to check for test-item validity in test construction. The Kuder-Richardson Reliability Formula is used. Detailed instructions describe the procedure for evaluating items for difficulty and using statistical methods to determine test validity. (AM)

Six statistical methods for identifying possible sources of bias in standardized test items are presented. The relationship between chi-squared methods and item-response theory methods are also discussed. (Author/BW)

This article suggests ways in which the consumer of educational research can critically evaluate research reports in terms of sample and methodology, design and statistical treatment, and results and interpretation. The reader is alerted to sources of deliberate and nondeliberate bias and to fallacious use and/or interpretation of statistics.…

This article presents a method for combining several descriptive indicators to yield an aggregated single summative index of the overall quality of the services received by clients in a service delivery system or program. The method described is based on the judgments of an evaluative panel. (Author/CTM)

Explains the statistical technique of survival analysis which is suggested as appropriate for evaluation of longitudinal speech and language data. In survival analysis, probabilities are calculated not just for groups but also for individuals in a group, a major advantage for clinical studies. Both nonparametric and semiparametric survival…

Describes the logic of statistical testing in the Fisher and Neyman-Pearson approaches. Reviews some common misinterpretations of basic concepts behind statistical tests. Analyzes the philosophical and psychological issues that can contribute to these misinterpretations. Suggests possible ways in which statistical education might contribute to the…

Describes how a combination of mapping and techniques can be used as a basis for measuring and analyzing student locational awareness of California. The case study analysis reveals that there was considerable variation in students' accuracy and precision in locating places. Includes tables and maps. (TRS)