Researchers continue to choose PCA in scale development and adaptation studies because it is the default setting and overestimates measurement quality. When PCA is utilized in investigations, the explained variance and factor loadings can be exaggerated. PCA, in contrast to the models given in the literature, should be investigated in…

Based on the characteristic feature parameterization and the superiority evaluation method (SEM) in extension engineering, a product-shape design method was proposed in this study. The first step of this method is to decompose the basic feature components of a product. After that, the morphological chart method is used to segregate the ideas so as…

Propensity score analysis (PSA) is a methodological technique which may correct for selection bias in a quasi-experiment by modeling the selection process using observed covariates. Because logistic regression is well understood by researchers in a variety of fields and easy to implement in a number of popular software packages, it has…

Structural balance theory (SBT) has maintained a venerable status in the psychological literature for more than 5 decades. One important problem pertaining to SBT is the approximation of structural or generalized balance via the partitioning of the vertices of a signed graph into "K" clusters. This "K"-balance partitioning problem also has more…

When using linear models for cluster-correlated or longitudinal data, a common modeling practice is to begin by fitting a relatively simple model and then to increase the model complexity in steps. New predictors might be added to the model, or a more complex covariance structure might be specified for the observations. When fitting models for…

Studies of group differences in intelligence often invite conclusions about groups in general from studies of group differences in selected populations. The same design is used in the study of group differences in other traits as well. Investigators observe samples from two groups (e.g. men and women) in some accessible population, but seek to…

A fairly large number of different methods exist for evaluating comparisons or null hypothetical contrasts. Because it is difficult to choose among them, this paper develops a 2 by 2 classification of the methods. The first dimension of the classification is decision-based error rate vs. experimentwise error rate. The second dimension is planned…

The authors demonstrate how exponential smoothing can play a role in the identification of the intervention component of an interrupted time-series design model that is analogous to the role that the sample autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions serve in the identification of the noise portion of such a model. (Author/BW)

Illustrates the use of latent growth modeling (LGM) as an analytical tool in program evaluation using the hypothetical example of a high school drug prevention program. Demonstrates the use of LGM in assessing longitudinal impact and in incorporating predictors of status and growth into a model. Highlights advantages and limitations of LGM. (SLD)

An efficiency model and a performance function are presented in this technical report. The efficiency model has been tailored to the needs of an information retrieval system while remaining consistent with established economic procedures. The performance function allows for the comparison of several information retrieval systems. A sample…

This paper presents a mathematical methodology in treating the systems approach to the evaluation of instruction. The major aspects of the procedure and the use of sensitivity analysis as a check upon the logical validity of the system are discussed. Advantages of a systems analysis when compared to qualitative analysis are also presented.…

Illustrated is the power of multidimensional scaling in reducing a complex set of proximity measures to a simple geometric picture that shows the relationship among data objects. Methods are discussed for determining the number of dimensions needed to represent a set. (Author/DEP)

In an analysis of multitrait-multimethod matrices the criteria for discriminant validity are shown to include a "structure" criterion as an invariance of traits structure to methods. The criterion is meant to fit data to an additive model with traits and methods but not interaction terms. The importance of the structure criterion and the…

The general class of continuous growth models are described and examples representative of growth models suggested for various types of academic and/or physical growth are given. The fan spread hypothesis is discussed in relationship to natural growth models, as well as differential linear growth. (PN)

This paper discusses problems associated with the application of experimental methods to program evaluation, proposes an alternative approach (program-attribute scaling), and reports the procedure and results of a trial application of the alternative approach. (Author)