A formula is derived for the asymptotic standard error of a true-score equating by item response theory (IRT). The equating method is applicable when the two tests to be equated are administered to different groups along with an "anchor test." Numerical standard errors are shown for an actual equating 1) comparing the standard errors of…

An upper-asymptote parameter was added to the three-parameter logistic item response model. This four-parameter model was compared to the three-parameter model on four data sets. The fourth parameter increased the likelihood in only two of the four sets. Ability estimates for the students were generally unchanged by the introduction of the fourth…

The primary objective of this paper is to describe a method of estimating female-male wage ratios. The estimating technique presented is two stage least squares (2SLS), in which equations are estimated for both men and women. After specifying and estimating the wage equations, the male-female wage differential is calculated that would remain if…

Proposes a new definition of the nuclear zone of a Bradford or Leimkuhler curve. The mathematical rationale is outlined, and examples of the application of this technique to citation analysis are given. (15 references) (CLB)

Investigates the properties of a global model consisting of "n" local information retrieval systems based on thesaurus. Definitions of a distributed information retrieval system (thesaurus, documents set, set of queries) and proofs of theorems denoting further properties of the systems are highlighted. Five references are included. (EJS)

Reliability coefficients of linear combinations of observed scores have anomalous properties which have led to difficulties in the investigation of difference scores and gain scores in test theory. Discrepancies between classical results and correct results obtained from more general formulas, which allow for correlated errors, are examined…

By algebraically defining a school finance structure as a total budget system, partial derivatives can be used to find the kinds of rewards, incentives, and distributions the structure defines for individual districts and among districts. Equity concerns can also be answered. (Author/IRT)

Correlation structure of the Burrell and Cane mixed Poisson model for library loans with aging is presented and illustrated by data from University of Sussex. The approach is compared and contrasted with that originally formulated by Morse and recently reevaluated by Beheshti and Tague. Directions for future investigations are suggested. (Author)

A general framework for conducting generalizability analyses is presented. Generalizability theory is extended to situations in which the objects of measurement are not persons but other factors, such as instructional objectives, stages of learning, and treatments. (Author/PN)

Describes a technique whereby qualitatively correct models of differentially rotating degenerate stars may be constructed by simple methods available to undergraduate students. (Author/JN)

Argues that a major difficulty in using Lotka's law in information science arises from the misuse of goodness of fit tests in parameter estimation. Three approaches for studying Lotka's law are presented: an index approach, a time series approach, and a generating mechanism incorporating these two influential variables to derive an equilibrium…

Discusses the master equation of a stochastic model in chemical process systems. Presents a solution technique known as the System Size Expansion. (YP)

In this article, the authors present the results of a research study in which they used two national datasets to construct and examine a model that estimates relative faculty instructional costs for specific undergraduate degree programs and also identifies differences in these costs by region and institutional type. They conducted this research…

A review of cross-validation shrinkage formulas is presented which focuses on the theoretical and practical problems in the use of various formulas. Practical guidelines for use of both formulas and empirical cross-validation are provided. A comparison of results using these formulas in a range of situations is then presented. The result of these…

Five methods are given for computing the area of a regular octahedron. It is suggested that students first construct an octahedron as this will aid in space visualization. Six further extensions are left for the reader to try. (LS)