In this article we propose a model-free diagnostic for single-peakedness (unimodality) of item responses. Presuming a unidimensional unfolding scale and a given item ordering, we approximate item response functions of all items based on ordered conditional means (OCM). The proposed OCM methodology is based on Thurstone & Chave's (1929) "criterion…

Based on the conceptualization that social desirable bias (SDB) is a discrete event resulting from an interaction between a scale's items, the testing situation, and the respondent's latent trait on a social desirability factor, we present a method that makes use of factor mixture models to identify which examinees are most likely to provide…

This article presents the use of an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm for the development of short forms of scales. An example 22-item short form is developed for the Diabetes-39 scale, a quality-of-life scale for diabetes patients, using a sample of 265 diabetes patients. A simulation study comparing the performance of the ACO algorithm and…

Facet technique is used to analyze contents of achievement motive questionnaire items proposed in recent years and to construct an explicit definition for achievement motive. (Author/JKS)

Order analysis, a technique to isolate unidimensional hierarchies representing multidimensional structure of binary data, is reviewed. Several theoretical flaws inherent in the probalistic version are presented. Suggestions of possible directions for future research are offered. (Author)

Responses of male prisoners to the Personal Orientation Inventory were clustered, using hierarchical linkage analysis. Six second-order clusters accounted for all the items. Reliabilities of these clusters were comparable to those of the first-order clusters. Relative validity of cluster scores and scale scores remains to be determined. (RC)

Two popular models for performing multidimensional scaling, Tucker and Messick's points-of-view model, and Tucker's three mode model, are combined into a single analytic procedure, the 3M-POV model. The procedure is described and its strengths are discussed. Carroll and Chang's INDSCAL model is also mentioned. (JKS)

A study concluding that the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Revised) (WAIS-R) has three clear factors in its structure is critiqued. An alternative factor comparison technique, FACTOREP, is used with identical data. It is demonstrated that the WAIS-R has only two strong factors--verbal comprehension and perceptual organization. (TJH)

A method of typological analysis was applied to computer-generated 96-item questionnaire data for 100 cases, under a variety of conditions to analyze both the item-level and score-level. The results showed a considerable advantage of score-level approach in the number, size, and replicability of clusters recovered. (DEP)

This article proposes and describes factor-analytic procedures for assessing and controlling socially desirable responding in binary personality items. The basic procedures are applications of the restricted (confirmatory) item factor analysis model for ordered-categorical variables. Orthogonal and oblique solutions based on marker variables are…

Factor structure underlying responses to the 373-item MMPI was found to be essentially identical to the factor structure previously defined from analysis of intercorrelations among the first 168 items. (Author)

Three methods were used to test the factor structure of the Eysenck Personality Inventory administered to 583 Australians. The preferred method was to extract factors by the minimum residual method, use the Tandem Criteria Method, and then rotate that number of factors by the Tandem Criteria I method. (SLD)

The present study compares the performance of phi coefficients and tetrachorics along two dimensions of factor recovery in binary data. These dimensions are (1) accuracy of nontrivial factor identifications; and (2) factor structure recovery given a priori knowledge of the correct number of factors to rotate. (Author/LMO)