This Monte Carlo simulation studied the relative power of 8 tests for sphericity in randomized block designs where sample size was small (10, 15, 20, and 30) and population covariance matrices of dimension-to-sample size ratio approached 1.0. The locally best invariant test demonstrated substantial power to detect departures from sphericity. (SLD)

A Monte Carlo simulation explored how to optimize power in the extreme groups strategy when sampling from nonnormal distributions. Results show that the optimum percent for the extreme group selection was approximately the same for all population shapes, except the extremely platykurtic (uniform) distribution. (SLD)

The effect that collapsing ordered polytomous variable scales has on structural equation measurement model parameter estimates was examined. Four parameter estimation procedures were investigated in a Monte Carlo study. Collapsing categories in ordered polytomous variables had little effect when latent projection procedures were used. (SLD)

Investigates the cereal box problem using both an experimental and theoretical framework, and Monte Carlo methods. Using empirical data, students can discover patterns and relationships that help them understand the origin of the theoretical solution to the problem. Contains 17 references. (Author/ASK)

In the nineteenth century many people tried to seek a value for the most famous irrational number, [pi], by means of an experiment known as Buffon's needle, consisting of throwing randomly a needle onto a surface ruled with straight parallel lines. Here we propose to extend this experiment in order to evaluate other irrational numbers, such as…

A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to investigate the effects of sample size, estimation method, and model specification on structural equation modeling (SEM) fit indices. Based on a balanced 3x2x5 design, a total of 6,000 samples were generated from a prespecified population covariance matrix, and eight popular SEM fit indices were…

Through Monte Carlo procedures, three different techniques for estimating the parameter theta (proportion of the "shocks" remaining in the system) in the Integrated Moving Average (0,1,1) time-series model are compared in terms of (1) the accuracy of the estimates, (2) the independence of the estimates from the true value of theta, and…

This Monte Carlo study explored relationships among standard and unstandardized regression coefficients, structural coefficients, multiple R_ squared, and significance level of predictors for a variety of linear regression scenarios. Ten regression models with three predictors were included, and four conditions were varied that were expected to…

These results indicate that in deciding on the data-gathering design to be used in seeking norm information, attention should be given to item characteristics and test length with particular attention paid to the range of biserial correlations between item response and ability. (Author)

The Dutch Identity is presented as a useful tool for expressing the basic equations of item response models that relate the manifest probabilities to the item response functions and the latent trait distribution. Ways in which the identity may be exploited are suggested and illustrated. (SLD)

Statistical properties of person fit indices are reviewed as indicators of the extent to which a person's score pattern is in agreement with a measurement model. Distribution of a fit index and ability-free fit evaluation are discussed. The null distribution was simulated for a test of 20 items. (SLD)

TSCALE, a multidimensional scaling procedure based on the contrast model of A. Tversky for asymmetric three-way, two-mode proximity data, is presented. TSCALE conceptualizes a latent dimensional structure to describe the judgmental stimuli. A Monte Carlo analysis and two consumer psychology applications illustrate the procedure. (SLD)

Based on the usual factor analysis model, this paper investigates the relationship between improper solutions and the number of factors. The properties of the noniterative estimation method of M. Ihara and Y. Kano in exploratory factor analysis are also discussed. The estimators were compared in a Monte Carlo experiment. (TJH)

Using Monte Carlo methods, the applicability of large sample theory to maximum likelihood estimates of total indirect effects in sample sizes of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 was studied. Samples of at least 200 and 400 are required for the recursive and nonrecursive models, respectively, that were assessed. (TJH)

Describes a goodness-of-fit statistic that considers the imprecision with which ability is estimated and involves constructing item fit tables based on each examinee's posterior distribution of ability, given the likelihood of the response pattern and an assumed marginal ability distribution. Also describes a Monte Carlo resampling procedure to…