Based on data from 411 Filipino secondary school students, the hypothesis was tested that press for achievement from parents, peers, and teachers mediates the relationship between school grades from one year to the next. No support was found for this contention after linear and curvilinear regression models were examined. (Author/LMO)

Drawing on recently developed methodology for structural equation modeling with categorical data, this article proposes a new approach for investigating the behavior of dichotomously scored test items in relation to other relevant (observed) variables. A linear structural model relates the latent ability variable to a set of observed scores.…

This collection of activities is intended to enhance the teaching of college algebra through the use of modeling. The problems use real data and involve the representation and interpretation of the data. The concepts addressed include rates of change, linear and quadratic regression, and functions. The collection consists of eight problems, four…

After a review of the disadvantages of linear models for estimating the probability of academic success from previous school records and admission test results, the use of a probit model is proposed. The model is illustrated with admissions data from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales in Montreal. (Author/BW)

Presents logistic discriminant analysis as a means of detecting differential item functioning (DIF) in items that are polytomously scored. Provides examples of DIF detection using a 27-item mathematics test with 1,977 examinees. The proposed method is simpler and more practical than polytomous extensions of the logistic regression DIF procedure.…

Sex differences in performance on the Australian Scholastic Aptitude Test (ASAT) were investigated. No significant direct effect of sex on performance was found. Sex differences were found to be the result of females having a higher verbal ability, males studying more mathematics, and males having greater confidence in ASAT success. (LMO)