We extend a unified and easy-to-use approach to measurement error and missing data. In our companion article, Blackwell, Honaker, and King give an intuitive overview of the new technique, along with practical suggestions and empirical applications. Here, we offer more precise technical details, more sophisticated measurement error model…

As the U.S. population ages and policy changes emerge, such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, the U.S. will experience a significant shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs). Many colleges and universities are attempting to increase the size of nursing cohorts to respond to this imminent shortage. Notwithstanding a 2.6%…

Data from the ALEKS-based placement program at the University of Illinois is presented visually in several ways. The placement exam (an ALEKS assessment) contains precise item-specific information and the data show many interesting properties of the student populations of the placement courses, which include Precalculus, Calculus, and Business…

Multiple linear regression and ANOVA models are widely used in applications since they provide effective statistical tools for assessing the relationship between a continuous dependent variable and several predictors. However these models rely heavily on linearity and normality assumptions and they do not accommodate categorical dependent…

The authors investigated the extent to which taking specific types of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the number of courses taken predicts the likelihood of passing subject benchmarks and earning a score of 19 on the composite score on the ACT test, and examined the role gender plays in the projection. They found evidence that taking an AP…

A model is proposed for investigating test validity as a predictor of a criterion variable when there are both missing and censored scores in the data set. Implications for maximum likelihood estimation are discussed, and the method is illustrated with hypothetical data sets. (SLD)

Path Analysis of Covariance Matrix (PACM) is described as a way to separately estimate measurement and structural models using standard least squares procedures. PACM was empirically compared to simultaneous maximum likelihood estimation and use of the LISREL computer program, and its advantages are identified. (SLD)

The form of item log-likelihood surface was investigated under two-parameter and three-parameter logistic models. Results confirm that the LOGIST program procedures used to locate the maximum of the likelihood functions are consistent with the form of the item log-likelihood surface. (SLD)

A correlation matrix of 21 structure-of-intellect (SOI) tests taken by 204 Marine officers at a military base in Southern California, which was intended to reflect aptitudes for military leadership, was reanalyzed through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analysis. Higher order factors appeared to have…

Topics concerning latent trait theory are addressed: (1) dimensionality of latent space, local independence, and item characteristic curves; (2) models--equations, parameter estimation, testing assumptions, and goodness of fit, (3) applications test developments, item bias, tailored testing and equating; and (4) advantages over classical…

Impacts of the parents' divorce and the student's academic potential and drug use on non-completion of high school were examined using 3 methods of structural equation modeling with latent variables. Data were collected from 706 adolescents (in grades 10 through 12). Maximum likelihood, asymptotically distribution-free, and categorical variable…