Provides a nontechnical explanation of the family of multivariate statistical techniques known as multidimensional scaling (MDS). Explains the purpose of MDS, and the advantages of using these techniques in the study of musical perception. Discusses two approaches to the interpretation of MDS solutions. Lists examples of musical studies using MDS.…

The Galileo System, a variant of metric multidimensional scaling, is used in this paper to analyze over-time changes in social networks. The paper first discusses the theoretical necessity for the use of this procedure and the methodological problems associated with its use. It then examines the air traffic network among 31 major cities in the…

The technique of nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS) was applied to real item response data obtained from a multiple-choice achievement test of unknown dimensionality. The goal was to classify the 50 items into the various subtests from which they were drawn originally, the latter being unknown to the investigator. Issues addressed in the…

The purpose of the study was to use confirmatory factor analysis techniques to assess the adequacy of previous validity studies related to the structural and theoretical dimensions underlying a measure of self-concept, the Piers Harris Children's Self Concept Scale. Responses from 890 students in grades 3-6 were used as input to the LISREL program…

The effects of varying degrees of correlation between abilities and of various correlation configurations between item parameters on ability and item parameter estimation using the three parameter logistic model were examined. Ten two-trait configurations and one unidimensional test configuration for 30 item tests were simulated. Each…

Thirty-two kindergarten children, nine parents, and two teachers participated in a study of classroom learning environments. Participants included lower and middle income White and Hispanic families; the children were enrolled in three schools in the southwestern United States. Both interviews and pictures of classroom learning events were used to…

This study by two Ph.D. students in library science reviewed a systematic sample of the research literature in library and information science published in 62 core library journals in 1983 to order to identify substantive articles and compare their findings on research methodologies and trends with those reported in a similar study performed in…