Assessments of clinical skills of medical students rely increasingly on standardized patients demonstrating medical cases with faculty rating performance. The common finding of inconsistency of scores across cases is often referred to as case specificity. A multivariate generalizability model reveals that overall case specificity cannot explain…

Objective: To derive an empirical taxonomy of osteoprotective stages using the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) and to identify the predisposing factors associated with each stage. Methods: An anonymous survey was completed by 504 undergraduates at a Midwestern public university. Results: Cluster analytic findings indicate that only 2…

Randomized response (RR) is a well-known method for measuring sensitive behavior. Yet this method is not often applied because: (i) of its lower efficiency and the resulting need for larger sample sizes which make applications of RR costly; (ii) despite its privacy-protection mechanism the RR design may not be followed by every respondent; and…

Available from the Comparative Administration Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242; $15.00 annually. (IRT)

The application of multi-variable procedures to the concept of professorial seniority is illustrated. Using employee data, a seniority factor was constructed and computed and compared to seniority scores for selected individuals. The model and its uses (e.g., in financial exigencies) are discussed. (MLW)

The paper reviews a construct validation framework for research on the selection and evaluation of residents. The application of the proposed methodology to surgery residents is described. The need to measure non-cognitive and neuropsychological factors in addition to cognitive knowledge and technical ability is emphasized. (Author/MLW)

Discussion of explanations and knowledge representation within knowledge-based systems focuses on the development of an expert system for purification of proteins in a Swedish laboratory. Topics include domain conceptualization; a multiple-explanation construction model; a study of laboratory staff that investigated construed explanations; and…

This paper undertakes a review of the literature on writing cognition, writing instruction, and writing assessment with the goal of developing a framework and competency model for a new approach to writing assessment. The model developed is part of the Cognitively Based Assessments of, for, and as Learning (CBAL) initiative, an ongoing research…

Complex decision-making environments often demand that a range of alternative strategies be identified and compared for their shared value in achieving desired ends. Simple parametric statistical procedures such as analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis can be used in such situations to compare (using selected criteria) the value…

An alternative approach for program evaluation of small, specialized programs when comparison groups are not available is described. This application is illustrated by presenting the results of an analysis of data from Project Talent, a national manpower study, and discussing its application to the evaluation of a medical training program.…

Presents a model developed to help the University of North Carolina at Asheville assess its market position by identifying competitors as well as desired clientele. Multidimensional scaling was used in a pilot study which showed the school was seen as having a strong commuter emphasis and low academic reputation. (JAC)

Describes the use of a simulated learning environment (SLE) as an instructional aid in teaching multivariate statistics, particularly inferential statistics. A prototype microcomputer-based SLE called MVWORLD developed at Drexel University for upper level statistics courses is explained, and implementing a statistics laboratory for multivariate…

The study investigated the importance of 1,286 college applicants' attitudes about competitor institutions in determining enrollment decisions. Demographic and ability factors that may affect attitudes were controlled. Findings indicated that attitudes toward competing institutions have a significant, positive relationship to enrollment decisions.…

Because of advances in psychotropic medications, psychiatric rehabilitation methods, the implementation of civil rights legislation, and empowerment movement of consumers with psychiatric disabilities, students with mental illnesses are increasingly able to access and complete higher education. Disability services offices on college campuses can…

This paper presents a methodology for developing a framework that can help decision makers distinguish intensity of needs and regional funding differences within a state. A cluster analysis was used to distinguish need in Georgia's 159 counties. Four clusters that identified the distribution of goods or services to those in need were identified:…