The consequences of using item response theory (IRT) item bias detecting procedures with multidimensional IRT item data are examined. Limitations in procedures for detecting item bias are discussed. (SLD)

Outlines the general techniques of Guttman scale analysis and briefly describes its uses in social science research. To illustrate the potential application to library science, a Guttman scale of restrictiveness in dealing with overdue books is developed and data from a 1986 survey of public libraries are fitted into the scale. (23 references)…

A study was conducted to evaluate six goodness-of-fit procedures using data simulation techniques. The procedures evaluated included the weighted average absolute deviation (WAAD), the mean absolute deviation (MAD), Bock's chi-square (BCHI), Yen's chi-square (YCHI), Wright and Mead's chi-square (WCHI), and the likelihood ratio chi-square (LCHI)…

The estimation of mean and standard errors of the eigenvalues and category quantifications in generalized non-linear canonical correlation analysis (OVERALS) is discussed. Starting points are the delta method equations. The jackknife and bootstrap methods are compared for providing finite difference approximations to the derivatives. Examining the…

New ability estimators have been proposed by Wainer and Wright (1980) and Mislevy and Bock (1981) that are resistant against guessing and careless behaviors exhibited by some examinees. This paper presents another class of ability estimators that are resistant to departures from the underlying assumptions concerning guessing and carelessness. In…

Three separate papers are included in this report. The first describes a two-stage procedure for choosing from among several instructional programs the one which maximizes the probability of passing the test. The second gives the exact sample sizes required to determine whether a squared multiple correlation coefficient is above or below a known…

RESULTS OF FIFTY DIFFERENT RETRIEVAL METHODS AS APPLIED IN THREE EXPERIMENTAL RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS WERE SUBJECTED TO AN ANALYSIS SUGGESTED BY STATISTICAL DECISION THEORY. THE ANALYSIS USES A PREVIOUSLY-PROPOSED MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS AND DEMONSTRATES ITS SEVERAL PROPERTIES. SOME OF THESE PROPERTIES ARE--(1) IT ENABLES THE RETRIEVAL SYSTEM TO…

A bibliography with approximately 1,000 references to articles on multidimensional scaling (MDS) is preceded by a summary review tracing the major developments in the areas covered, and identifying significant references in each. With the exception of a few earlier documents, the period covered is 1966 to 1978. Topics mentioned in the summary…

One aspect of multiple regression--the shrinkage of the multiple correlation coefficient on cross-validation is reviewed. The paper consists of four sections. In section one, the distinction between a fixed and a random multiple regression model is made explicit. In section two, the cross-validation paradigm and an explanation for the occurrence…

When analysis of variance is used, statistically significant differences may or may not be of practical significance to educators. A large part of the problem is due to the fact that a "zero difference" null hypothesis can always be rejected statistically if the sample size is large enough. If, however, a method based on the noncentral F…

A summary of the technical problems encountered in performing Bayesian m group regression is given. Grade-point averages for students entering a vocational-technical program are predicted using ability assessments from the Career Planning Profile (CPP), a development of The American College Testing Program (ACT). The theory derived by Lindley (see…

This paper presents an index of goodness-of-fit for comparing m models over n trials. The index allows for differentiated weighting of the trials as to their importance in the comparison of the models. Several possible weighting schemes are suggested and the conditions on the weights which assure asymptotic normality of the index distribution are…

A variety of path models involving unmeasured variables are formulated in terms of Joreskog's general model for the analysis of covariance structures. (Author)

This memorandum is the manual for the VARAN (VARiance ANalysis) program, which is the latest addition to a series of computer programs for multivariate analysis of variance. As with earlier programs, analysis of variance, univariate and multivariate, is the main target of the program. Correlation analysis of all types is available with printout in…