The dangers of overlooking time-honored cautions in the making causal interpretations of data analyses from correlational studies when using highly sophisticated computer programs and their associated techniques are discussed. (JKS)

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)

Since computer programs have been available for estimating and testing linear causal models, these models have been used increasingly in the behavioral sciences. This paper discusses the problem that very different causal structures may fit the same set of data equally well. (Author/LMO)

Issues the author has explored in his work on the philosophy of statistics are reviewed. Indeterminacy, the place of empiricism, questions of causation and causality, and explorations of language have preceded the study of objectivity. The relationship between objectivity and multivariate statistics is examined. (SLD)

Several goodness of fit (GOF) criteria have been developed to assist the researcher in interpreting structural equation models. However, the determination of GOF for structural equation models is not as straightforward as that for other statistical approaches in multivariate procedures. The four GOF criteria used across the commonly used…

A latent trait model is described that is appropriate for use with tests that measure more than one dimension, and its application to both real and simulated test data is demonstrated. Procedures for estimating the parameters of the model are presented. The research objectives are to determine whether the two-parameter logistic model more…

A proficiency model that provides information on individuals' mastery status on specific skills is illustrated. The model describes the construction and scoring of mastery tests as well as the organization and reporting of individual and group testing results. With the model, an individual's mastery status with respect to various skills can be…

To correct for the effects of measurement error on structural parameter estimates, many researchers are now estimating models of educational achievement with LISREL. In order to estimate such models it is desirable to obtain multiple manifest measures of the latent constructs. Many researchers restrict their models to two manifest measures per…