Presents a method for estimating the random coefficients model using covariance structure modeling and allowing one to estimate both fixed and random effects. The method is applied to real and simulated data, including marriage data from J. Belsky and M. Rovine (1990). (SLD)

Discusses a method for obtaining point and interval estimates of reliability for composites of measures with a general structure. The approach is based on fitting a correspondingly constrained structural equation model and generalizes earlier covariance structure analysis methods for scale reliability estimation with congeneric tests. (SLD)

Presents an extension of the method of estimating interaction effects among latent variables to latent growth curve models developed by K. Joreskog and F. Yang (1996). Illustrates the procedure and discusses results in terms of practical and statistical problems associated with interaction analyses in latent curve models and structural equation…

This paper describes the graded response model. The graded response model represents a family of mathematical models that deal with ordered polytomous categories, such as: (1) letter grading; (2) an attitude survey with "strongly disagree, disagree, agree, and strongly agree" choices; (3) partial credit given in accord with an…

Explains how the Gibbs sampler can be applied to obtain a sample from the posterior distribution over the parameters of a structural equation model. Presents statistics to use to summarize marginal posterior densities and model checks using posterior predictive p-values. (SLD)

Nonlinear latent variable models are specified that include quadratic forms and interactions of latent regressor variable as special cases. To estimate the parameters, the models are put in a Bayesian framework with conjugate priors for the parameters. The proposed estimation methods are illustrated by two simulation studies. (SLD)

Describes a structural equation model that permits estimation of the reliability index and coefficient of a composite index for congeneric measures. The method is also helpful in exploring the factorial structure of an item set, and its use in scale reliability estimation and development is illustrated. (SLD)

Statistical approaches to assess how prevention and intervention programs achieve their effects are described and illustrated through the evaluation of a health promotion program to reduce dietary cholesterol and a school-based drug prevention program. Analyses require the measurement of intervening or mediating variables to represent the…

Presents a LISREL model for the estimation of the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a patterned covariance matrix. The model is demonstrated for a 5 x 2 (Time x Group) ANOVA in which the data are assumed to be serially correlated. Similarities with the Statistical Analysis System PROC MIXED model are discussed. (SLD)

This paper illustrates first how estimated Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) measurement error variances are actually estimates of score reliabilities. The major advantage of SEM over other analytic methods is that it accounts for measurement error. Score reliabilities are estimated as part of structural modeling, so that structural models test…

Proposes a method for obtaining standard errors and confidence intervals of composite reliability coefficients based on bootstrap methods and using a structural-equation-modeling framework for estimating the composite reliability of congeneric measures (T. Raykov, 1997). Demonstrates the approach with simulated data. (SLD)

This paper provides a concise summary of 10 years of research into defining appropriate statistical models for estimating school and teacher effect on student learning and other important educational outcomes. It discusses criteria for judging models and presents the formulae for the two-stage, two-level student-school hierarchical linear modeling…

Presents a measurement framework in which skilled estimators move between written or verbal linear measurements and representations of their corresponding magnitudes on a mental number line. Reviews efforts to teach measurement estimation and suggests ways to extend students' understanding of measurement scales and systems. (Author/SLD)

Discusses whether the tradition of accepting point-symmetric item characteristic curves is justified by uncovering the inconsistent relationship between the difficulties of items and the order of maximum likelihood estimates of ability. In this context, proposes a family of models, called the logistic positive exponent family, that provides…

Proposes a model for constrained computerized adaptive testing in which the information in the test at the trait level (theta) estimate is maximized subject to the number of possible constraints on the content of the test. Test assembly relies on a linear-programming approach. Illustrates the approach through simulation with items from the Law…