Contemporary case studies rely on verbal arguments and set theory to build or evaluate theoretical claims. While existing procedures excel in the use of qualitative information (information about kind), they ignore quantitative information (information about degree) at central points of the analysis. Effectively, contemporary case studies rely on…

In many surveys, the data comprise a large number of categorical variables that suffer from item nonresponse. Standard methods for multiple imputation, like log-linear models or sequential regression imputation, can fail to capture complex dependencies and can be difficult to implement effectively in high dimensions. We present a fully Bayesian,…

Sensitivity analysis is the study of how the different input variations of a mathematical model influence the variability of its output. In this paper, we review the principle of global and local sensitivity analyses of a complex black-box system. A simulated case of application is given at the end of this paper to compare both approaches.…

This article presents the authors' response to Asha K. Jitendra's Response to Xin and Zhang ("The Journal of Educational Research," 2009, Vol. 102, No. 6). The claim of "factual errors, including inappropriate quotes, misrepresentation of information, and inadequate scholarship in Xin and Zhang's text" are not justified. In this rejoinder, the…

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)

The equating methods and sampling designs used in the empirical studies in this special issue on the use of matched samples for test equating are described. Four requisites for equating are listed, and the invariance of equating functions requisite is identified as the focus of this issue. (SLD)

Two recent indices of fit, the Relative Noncentrality Index (RNI) (R. P. McDonald and H. W. Marsh, 1990) and the Comparative Fit Index (P. M. Bentler, 1990), are shown to be algebraically equivalent in most applications, although one condition in which the RNI may be advantageous for model comparison is identified. (SLD)

The concepts, definitions, and notation that have evolved with the development of telephone survey design methodology are discussed and presented as a unified structure. This structure is then applied to some of the more well-known telephone survey designs and alternative designs are developed. The relative merits of the different survey designs…

To locate matches across pairs of lists without unique identifiers it is sometimes necessary to compare strings of letters. String comparators are used in production computer matching software during the Post Enumeration Survey for the 1990 U.S. census. A string comparator metric is described that partially accounts for: (1) typographical…

A modification index is presented to aid in reformulating hypothetical models rejected after analysis of empirical data. This index is an improvement over the one in the LISREL V computer program in that it takes into account changes in all parameters of the model when one parameter is freed. (SLD)

A method for detecting instructional sensitivity (item bias) in test items is proposed. This method extends item response theory by allowing for item-specific variation in measurement relations across students' varying instructional backgrounds. Item bias detection is a by-product. Traditional and new methods are compared. (SLD)

Multinomial modeling--a methodology that can be used to measure and study cognitive processes--is discussed, and applications are presented. This statistically based technique involves estimating hypothetical parameters that represent the probabilities of unobservable cognitive events and is compatible with computational theories of cognition.…

A procedure for evaluating a variety of rater reliability models is presented. A multivariate linear model is used to describe and assess a set of ratings. Parameters are represented in terms of a factor analytic model, and maximum likelihood methods test the model parameters. Illustrative examples are presented. (SLD)

Studies of differential item functioning (DIF) under item response theory require that item parameter estimates be placed on the same metric before comparisons can be made. Evidence that methods for linking metrics may be influenced by the presence of differentially functioning items has been inconsistent. The effects of three methods for linking…

A Bernoulli process model of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is used to evaluate infection risks associated with various sexual behaviors (condom use, abstinence, or monogamy). Results suggest that infection is best mitigated through measures that decrease infectivity, such as condom use. (SLD)