In sample designs, it is commonly recognized that using auxiliary information significantly increases an estimator's precision. This manuscript introduces an weighted strategy for computing the finite population mean using auxiliary information in sample surveys. The equations for the mean squared error ("MSE") of the proposed estimator…

The existing algorithm employing the log-normal distribution lacks applicability in generating imprecise data. This paper addresses this limitation by first introducing the log-normal distribution as a means to handle imprecise data. Subsequently, we leverage the neutrosophic log-normal distribution to devise an algorithm specifically tailored for…

Background: The generalizability of a study refers to the extent to which the results and inferences from a sample apply to individuals in a larger target population of inference (Shadish et al., 2002). In practice, the strongest tool to facilitate generalizations is random or probability sampling, which is rare in educational studies (Olsen et…

I. Purpose: There are instances where equivalences rather than differences are of interest (e.g., Lakens, 2017). For instance, researchers may be interested in testing whether two versions of interventions are equivalent or whether an alternative but more cost-efficient program can provide similar outcomes (Lakens et al., 2018; Schuirmann, 1987).…

This snapshot illustrates my use of the Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP), a web-based tool, to perform a sampling data task embedded within a real-world phenomenon. The aim is to identify the optimal sampling land areas on the map for estimating the population. I utilized a public dataset containing densely located alternative fuel…

In qualitative comparative analysis, as with all methods, there is a question about how many cases are needed to make an analysis robust. In deciding on the number of cases, a key consideration is the number of conditions to be analyzed. I suggest that adding cases is preferable to dropping conditions if there are too many conditions relative to…

In many countries, soiled toilet paper is placed in trash bins rather than flushed down the toilet. We investigated the use of soiled toilet paper in Guatemalan markets to surveil for pathogenic sequence types (STs) of "E. coli" and third generation cephalosporin-resistant "E. coli" (3GCR-EC). We collected used toilet paper…

This study aims to suggest a generalized class of estimators for population proportion under simple random sampling, which uses auxiliary attributes. The bias and MSEs are considered derived to the first degree approximation. The validity of the suggested and existing estimators is assessed via an empirical investigation. The performance of…

Background: Multisite designs, also known as blocked designs, are experimental designs in which the random assignment of treatment and control conditions is within each site (or block) after the random selection of sites (or blocks). Multisite designs exhibit remarkable adaptability and, statistically, it can maintain a rigorous basis for…

Given sample data, how do you calculate the value of a parameter? While this question is impossible to answer, it is frequently encountered in statistics classes when students are introduced to the distinction between a sample and a population (or between a statistic and a parameter). It is not uncommon for teachers of statistics to also confuse…

The Gini index is probably the most commonly used indicator to measure inequality. For continuous distributions, the Gini index can be computed using several equivalent formulations. However, this is not the case with discrete distributions, where controversy remains regarding the expression to be used to estimate the Gini index. We attempt to…

This article presents a step-by-step guide to using R and SPSS to bootstrap exam questions. Bootstrapping, a versatile nonparametric analytical technique, can help to improve the psychometric qualities of exam questions in the process of quality assurance. Bootstrapping is particularly useful in disciplines such as medical education, where student…

In spring 2024, the Gates Foundation sponsored the recruitment of public school pre-kindergarten (pre-K) teachers to RAND's American Teacher Panel (ATP), an online survey panel of approximately 27,000 U.S. public school teachers that had previously covered teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade. In this short report, the authors describe…

Parallel analysis has been considered one of the most accurate methods for determining the number of factors in factor analysis. One major advantage of parallel analysis over traditional factor retention methods (e.g., Kaiser's rule) is that it addresses the sampling variability of eigenvalues obtained from the identity matrix, representing the…

Prior research has suggested that clustered regression discontinuity designs are a formidable alternative to cluster randomized designs because they provide targeted treatment assignment while maintaining a high-quality basis for inferences on local treatment effects. However, methods for the design and analysis of clustered regression…