It is demonstrated that tests of homogeneity of independent correlation coefficients based on the simple forms of the normal and t approximations to the distribution of the correlation coefficients are comparable in terms of robustness, size and power. (Author)

The validity of asymptotic results for the distribution of unrotated and rotated factor loadings is investigated via simulation techniques. In particular, principal component extraction and quartimax rotation are examined on a problem with thirteen variables. The asymptotic results appear to be quite good. (Author/JKS)

A practical overview of things to keep in mind when planning and implementing educational games. (BD)

Investigated the approximate confidence intervals for effect sizes developed by K. Bird (2002) and proposed a more accurate method developed through simulation studies. The average coverage probability for the new method was 0.959. (SLD)

Developed a procedure for overcoming the computational and technological limitations of analyzing data with missing observations by extracting data from a sparsely filled data matrix into analyzable smaller subsets of data. Demonstrated the validity of this subdividing method using a Monte Carlo simulation. (SLD)

Studied the problem of missing data at the second level of a two-level hierarchal data structure using data generated to simulate the 1982 High School and Beyond data set with five different missing data treatments: listwise deletion, overall mean substitution, group mean substitution, the EM algorithm, and multiple imputation. (SLD)

Presents results of a connectionist simulation that modeled the reanalysis of the Latin gender system in its transition to Old French. The network reanalysis was based solely on formal cues and on frequency. Results are in accordance with the historical data, and certain errors in simulations are also amenable to principled explanations.…

Developed a method to determine the required number and position of sensors for human brain electromagnetic source analysis. Studied the method through a simulation study and an empirical study on visual evoked potentials in one adult male. Results indicate the method is fast and reliable and improves source precision. (SLD)

Developed a sandwich-type covariance matrix to evaluate parameters and provide a rescaled statistic to evaluate a hypothesized general multilevel model. A simulation study with a two-level factor model implies that the rescaled statistic is preferable. (SLD)

Extended conventional two-group differential item function (DIF) analysis for dichotomous items to factorial DIF analysis for polytomous items where multiple grouping factors with multiple groups in each are analyzed jointly. Simulation studies and analysis of a real data set with 1,924 subjects show the parameters of the proposed modeling can be…

Describes a writing assignment requiring students to extract information from a simulated telephone conversation and construct a notice of an upcoming meeting. (JAD)

Explores two methods for the analysis of binary data, and presents a proposal for adapting these data to matched-pair data from school intervention studies. Evaluates the performance of the two methods through simulation and discusses conditions under which each method may be used. (SLD)

Evaluated three types of multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) linking methods through two simulation studies. Results indicate that the best MIRT linking method was an unbiased, effective, and consistent estimator that produced accurate estimates of transformation parameters when errors in estimation of item parameters were manipulated…

Provides a framework for viewing local dependency within dichotomous and polytomous items that are clustered by design and presents a testing procedure that allows researchers to identify individual item pairs that exhibit local dependency while controlling for a false positive rate. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method is…

Studied the effectiveness of various analytical formulas for estimating "R" squared shrinkage in multiple regression analysis, focusing on estimators of the squared population multiple correlation coefficient and the squared population cross validity coefficient. Simulation results suggest that the most widely used Wherry (R. Wherry,…