To detect differential item functioning (DIF), Rasch trees search for optimal split-points in covariates and identify subgroups of respondents in a data-driven way. To determine whether and in which covariate a split should be performed, Rasch trees use statistical significance tests. Consequently, Rasch trees are more likely to label small DIF…

Examined the historical growth in the popularity of statistical significance testing using a random sample of data from 12 American Psychological Association journals. Results replicate and extend findings from a study that used only one such journal. Discusses the role of statistical significance testing and the use of replication and…

The Hubbard and Ryan article is a little ingenuous in its implications for action. Both meta-analyses and replication have problems of their own; each requires careful attention. Good measurement emphasizes proper sampling techniques and using whatever means possible to analyze data. (SLD)

Agrees with R. Hubbard and P. Ryan that statistical significance testing has had a negative impact in that some users have closed their minds to alternative approaches to conducting research. In marketing, the alternatives are not completely satisfactory, however, and researchers are likely to continue to rely on statistical significance testing.…

Suggests that replication research and meta-analysis are not substitutes for statistical significance testing, but rather, like measures of effect size, they are complements to statistical significance testing. Significance testing does provide a means for determining what might be usefully replicated. (SLD)

Suggest that the call for more pointed graduate education and more affirmative journal policies on replication-extension made by R. Hubbard and P. Ryan is useful, although inadequate and probably pointless. Statistical significance testing appears to be here to stay despite the charge that it is of "marginal scientific value." (SLD)

A numerical procedure is outlined for obtaining an interval estimate of true score. The procedure is applied to several sets of test data. (Author)

THE PURPOSE OF THIS RESEARCH WAS TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF ERROR OF MEASUREMENT UPON THE POWER OF STATISTICAL TESTS. ATTENTION WAS FOCUSED ON THE F-TEST OF THE SINGLE FACTOR ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE. FORMULAS WERE DERIVED TO SHOW THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NONCENTRALITY PARAMETERS FOR ANALYSES USING TRUE SCORES AND THOSE USING OBSERVED SCORES. THE…

The difficulties in comparing profile variability (a measure of test scatter) are briefly discussed and the limitations of current techniques pointed out. Test scatter is defined as individual variation in test scores between or within various psychological and educational tests. Currently, no statistical technique for the comparison of profile…

A detailed investigation of the statistical procedure of W. Stout (the computer program DIMTEST) for testing the hypothesis that an essentially unidimensional latent trait model fits observed binary response data from a psychological test is presented. One finding is that DIMTEST may fail to perform as desired in the presence of guessing when…

Three tables are provided to aid in the clinical interpretation of factor scores for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R; 1981). The factor structure of the WAIS-R has proven to be robust across samples, tests, time, statistical analyses, measurement scales, and distortions of the distribution. Information necessary to make…

PERSONALITY TRAITS OF TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS ARE EXAMINED FOR THEIR EFFECTS UPON TEACHER-ADMINISTRATOR RELATIONSHIPS. THE EDWARDS PERSONAL PREFERENCE SCHEDULE, THE NATIONAL PRINCIPALSHIP STUDY, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE PREFERENCE FORM WERE ADMINISTERED TO TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS FROM AN URBAN SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MICHIGAN. RESULTS INDICATE THAT THE…