This article describes the development, initial validation, and psychometric evaluation of the mathematical modeling attitude scale (MMAS). Specifically, both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to generate relevant items. The MMAS assesses K-12 teachers' attitude toward mathematical modeling and examines their experiences with…

This monograph provides an epistemological rational for the Accumulative Manifold Validation Analysis [also referred by the acronym "AMOVA"] statistical methodology designed to test psychometric instruments. This form of inquiry is a form of mathematical optimization in the discipline of linear stochastic modelling. AMOVA is an in-depth…

The factor structure of the "KeyMath--Revised Normative Update" (KMR-NU) "Form A" was analyzed using data from a sample of 130 students. The KMR-NU is composed of 13 subtests that are purported to measure three important aspects of math ability: Basic Concepts, Operations, and Applications. A confirmatory factor analysis…

The problem of scaling ordinal categorical data observed over two or more sets of categories measuring a single characteristic is addressed. Scaling is obtained by solving a constrained entropy model. A Kullback-Leibler statistic is generated that operationalizes a measure for the strength of consistency among the sets of categories. (TJH)

Issues arising from difference scores with zero reliability that nevertheless allow a powerful test of change are discussed. Issues include the appropriateness of underlying statistical models for psychological data and the relationship between difference scores and power. Increases in reliability always increase power for a fixed effect size.…

The impact of outliers on Cronbach's coefficient [alpha] has not been documented in the psychometric or statistical literature. This is an important gap because coefficient [alpha] is the most widely used measurement statistic in all of the social, educational, and health sciences. The impact of outliers on coefficient [alpha] is investigated for…

A procedure for estimating the reliability of a factorially complex composite is considered. An application of its use with Scholastic Aptitude Test data is provided. (Author/JKS)

A response to comments on internal correlation for statistical analysis, as proposed by the present authors (1989), is provided. Focus is on issues raised by W. W. Rozeboom (1989). Comments by J. H. Schuenemeyer (1989) and R. Bargmann (1989) are briefly considered. (TJH)

The relation between the power of a significance test in a block design with correlated measurements and the reliability of the measuring instrument is analyzed in terms of the components of variance entering the reliability coefficient and the noncentrality parameter. (Author/LMO)

The internal correlation--a measure of dependency in a set of variables--is discussed and generalized. Applications of the internal correlation coefficient and its generalizations are given for several data-analytic situations. The internal correlation is illustrated and the concept is expanded to a series of additional indices. (TJH)

Use of internal correlation for statistical analysis--proposed by G. W. Joe and J. L. Mendoza (1989)--is discussed. Focus is on the "content" question (what this application can do with the information that statistics contain) and the "eloquence" question (the advantages of this means of encoding information over other means). (TJH)

The psychometric objections to using essays and other subjective tests for measurement can be overcome by a many-facet Rasch model. This model enables judge-awarded grades to be transformed from their arbitrary, local, non-linear rating scale form into linear measures with explicit generalizable meaning of specifiable reliability (standard error)…

A technique is presented to transform incomplete categorical data into complete data by imputing appropriate scores into missing cells. A solution of the optimization problem is suggested, and relevant psychometric theory is discussed. The average correlation should be at least 0.50 before the method becomes practical. (SLD)

It is shown that empirical mental test P - P plots are approximately equal to theoretical item-item curves, at least for long tests administered to many people. This result is important because it leads to (1) a distribution free method for estimating points on item-item curves; (2) a general method for defining estimates of item parameters; and…

People can use a variety of different strategies to perform tasks and these strategies all have two characteristics in common. First, they can be evaluated in comparison with either an absolute or a relative standard. Second, they can be used at varying levels of consistency. In the present article, the authors develop a general theory of task…