Fourteen experimental studies were reviewed using linear model of Berger et al. The model fits the data from these experiments remarkably well. These results demonstrate the utility and apparent validity of this theory of status-organizing processes. (Author/RD)

A longitudinal program evaluation approach used in the Vermont system of care for children and adolescents is described. The method focuses on movement between residential placements and compares system functioning to service system values using a person-level longitudinal database. This methodology can be useful in a number of fields. (SLD)

Basic philosophical and statistical issues in structural equation modeling (SEM) are reviewed, including model conceptualization, identification, and parameter estimation and data-model-fit assessment and model modification. These issues should be addressed before the researcher uses any of the new generation of SEM software. (SLD)

A model projecting school enrollment by using births lagged an appropriate number of years and a model using lagged births and the previous year's enrollment were applied to two school grade levels and state and county levels in Kentucky. The model using lagged births and earlier figures provided better predictions. (SLD)

Refutes Peter Mueser's criticisms of the author's position on formalistic research approaches. Restates that statistical significance is virtually useless. Claims mathematical economists take their intellectual positions from mathematics departments bringing irrelevant intellectual values into economics. (NL)

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)

The use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in assisting researchers to analyze decisions is discussed. The AHP is compared with other decision-analysis techniques, including multiattribute utility measurement, conjoint analysis, and general linear models. Insights that AHP can provide are illustrated with data gathered in an auditing context.…

Use of parallel analysis (PA), a selection rule for the number-of-factors problem, is investigated from the viewpoint of permutation assessment through a Monte Carlo simulation. Results reveal advantages and limitations of PA. Tables of sample eigenvalues are included. (SLD)

Some of the methods originally used to find relationships between reliability and power associated with a single measurement are extended to difference scores. Results, based on explicit power calculations, show that augmenting the reliability of measurement by reducing error score variance can make significance tests of difference more powerful.…

Some approximate formulas are presented for standard errors of estimated regression coefficients in two-level designs. If the researcher can make a reasonable guess as to parameters occurring in the model, this approximation can be a guide to the choice of sample sizes at either level. (SLD)

Statistical methods related to Rasch modeling, social network analysis, and latent variable structural equation modeling for experimental designs are critiqued with regard to three important issues: (1) measuring constructs; (2) modeling processes of change; (3) operationalizing social relations. An argument is made for adequate conceptualization…

The multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) paradigm is used widely to assess construct validity, but D. A. Kenny and D. A. Kashy (1992) lament that even after 30 years we still do not know how to analyze MTMM data. The Composite Direct Product (CDP) model has recently attracted considerable attention. Its strengths and weaknesses are evaluated, and a…

Statistical significance is often inappropriately equated with evaluating result importance and evaluating result replicability, even though these are three somewhat different issues. The prudent researcher must separately assess each of these elements of the "research triumvirate" by using different methods. This paper focuses on two…

To locate matches across pairs of lists without unique identifiers it is sometimes necessary to compare strings of letters. String comparators are used in production computer matching software during the Post Enumeration Survey for the 1990 U.S. census. A string comparator metric is described that partially accounts for: (1) typographical…

Structural equation modeling has become increasingly popular as a technique for the analysis of non-experimental data in the social sciences. This increase can be traced in part to the development of computer programs that facilitate structural equation modeling. The Linear Structural Relations (LISREL) program is the most widely used tool for…