Log-linear models for contingency tables are a key tool for the study of categorical inequalities in sociology. However, the conventional approach to model selection and specification suffers from at least two limitations: reliance on oftentimes equivocal diagnostics yielded by fit statistics, and the inability to identify patterns of association…

This publication presents estimates of apprentice and trainee activity in Australia for the December quarter 2011. The figures in this publication are derived from the National Apprentice and Trainee Collection no.71 (March 2012 estimates). The most recent figures in this publication are estimated (those for training activity from the June quarter…

This publication presents estimates of apprentice and trainee activity in Australia for the September quarter 2010. The figures in this publication are derived from the National Apprentice and Trainee Collection no.66 (December 2010 estimates). The most recent figures in this publication are estimated (those for training activity from the March…

This publication presents estimates of apprentice and trainee activity in Australia for the June quarter 2012. The figures in this publication are derived from the National Apprentice and Trainee Collection no.73 (September 2012 estimates). The most recent figures in this publication are estimated (those for training activity from the December…

Sixteen tables are presented for critical values of the larger of two sample correlation coefficients from two independent samples, given the sample size and the value of the smaller correlation. These tables allow quick assessment of significance without requiring calculation of the test statistic. (SLD)

Manifest discrete time and latent Markov chain models are described, and the results given by each are compared for the re-analysis of a three-wave table of repeated behavior ratings of children. More recent developments in latent discrete time Markov chain modeling address the problems of the table more efficiently. (SLD)

An extended marginal homogeneity model is introduced for the analysis of square contingency tables with the same ordinal row and column classifications. The model hypothesizes that the ratio in each column of table delta will exhibit an exponential function of the column. (SLD)

The main purposes of this study were to investigate, by means of simulation: (1) whether the difference likelihood ratio chi-square statistic (G2-dif) for comparing item response theory (IRT) models is asymptotically distributed as a chi-square distribution; and (2) the accuracy rate of applying G2-dif in selection of nested IRT models. Two…

Structural models that yield circumplex inequality patterns are reviewed, focusing on a model developed by T. W. Anderson (1960). A modification is proposed to this model to allow for negative correlations. This model may be reparameterized as a factor analysis model with nonlinear constraints on the factor loadings. (SLD)

An Edgeworth approximation for accurate significance probabilities for the Wilcoxon two-sample test is substantially simplified. A method is developed that allows quick calculations of very accurate probabilities. Exact formulas are given for most of the remaining cases, and tables are presented comparing the new simplification to likely…

A new coefficient--psi-star--is presented for measuring agreement on bidirectional response continua. The coefficient is designed to measure agreement in larger square contingency tables with even numbers of rows and columns. Advantages of the procedure are discussed. (SLD)

Describes a detailed algorithm for fast text compression. Related to the PPM (prediction by partial matching) method, it simplifies the modeling phase by eliminating the escape mechanism and speeds up coding by using a combination of quasi-arithmetic coding and Rice coding. Details of the use of quasi-arithmetic code tables are given, and their…

This paper discusses the limitations of Classical Test Theory, the purpose of Item Response Theory/Latent Trait Measurement models, and the step-by-step calculations in the Rasch measurement model. The paper explains how Item Response Theory (IRT) transforms person abilities and item difficulties into the same metric for test-independent and…

Several methods for the analysis of three-way data (data classified three ways) are described and shown to be variants of principal components analysis of the two-way supermatrix in which each two-way slice is strung out into a column vector. Direct fitting and fitting derived data are considered. (SLD)

Smallest exact confidence intervals for the ability parameter of the Rasch model are derived and compared to the traditional asymptotically valid intervals based on Fisher information. Tables of exact confidence intervals, termed Clopper-Pearson intervals, can be drawn up with a computer program developed by K. Klauer. (SLD)