Georg Rasch has developed a new one-parameter latent trait model to explain the performance of examinees on achievement tests. The model can be viewed as a special case of Birnbaum's two-parameter logistic model where all items are assumed to have equal discriminating power. Birnbaum's model permits items to vary in discriminating power. Both…

This study was concerned with the collection and analysis of empirical data regarding the public and private costs and some utility aspects of vocational-technical education at two educational centers. Activities included establishing: (1) occupational objectives of programs offered, (2) the degree of attainment of occupational objectives by…

Pearson's unrestricted chi-square procedure is reviewed, and an historical presentation of Neyman's restricted chi-square test is introduced with a discussion of its theory and applicability to education. An example of the Neyman procedure is discussed in detail to familiarize researchers with this useful technique for analyzing contingency…

Three topics in factor analysis are covered: a) a reliability coefficient for assessing the quality of a maximum likelihood factor analysis, b) an application of three-mode factor analysis to serial learning data, showing variations in learning curves over stages of learning and individuals, and c) the use of personal probability functions to…

This paper is concerned with the study of similarities and differences in factor structures between different groups. A common situation is when a battery of tests has been administered to samples of examinees from several populations. A very general model is presented, in which any parameter in the factor analysis models (factor loadings, factor…

The mathematical models of this paper were developed as an outgrowth of working with the Comprehensive Achievement Monitoring project (Project CAM) which was conceived as a model and application of sampling procedures such as those used in industrial quality control techniques to educational measurement. This paper explores mathematical modeling…

The problem of comparing proportions when some data are missing is investigated, and determination is made of what statistical techniques are appropriate under each of several probability models describing the observations likely to be missing. Monte Carlo methods were used to investigate the properties of standard estimators under each of the…

A method for estimating power scores is described. By way of illustration, it is applied to 21 students who were improperly timed on a standard test. Some empirical results are given in support of the estimation procedure. (Author)

Recent years have seen many attempts to program learning based on many principles ranging from intuition to mathematics. The area of criterion establishment for advancement or conversely additional training at the same or lower levels remains primarily in the realm of intuition. The intuition used is only as good as the experience and background…

Learning hierarchies are networks of prerequisite relationships of instructional objectives. Seven measures of the validity of learning hierarchies were compared for their ability to identify correctly- and incorrectly-ordered hierarchies. A computer simulation model was used to generate stochastic data of known underlying structure. Analysis of…

Two basic issues are discussed that involve the Carver model of the relationship between test score and knowledge. The first of these concerns different types of tests which have different probabilities of obtaining the correct answer due to guessing. A derivation is shown which places different test types "on-a-par"--meaning that two tests are…

Since the primary purpose of classical testing is to rank order examinees consistently, the absolute value of the true score has been relatively unimportant. However, the major purpose of criterion referenced testing is to estimate the true capabilities of examinees to perform specific tasks. Hence, the problems of true score determination assume…

A new method for separating affective and denotative meaning subsystems in semantic differential ratings of any homogeneous concept domain is developed and illustrated using personality ratings data. Possible applications of this method are discussed. (Author/JKS)

Examines some questions arising in connection with the application and usefulness of Bradford's Law, which describes the dispersion of articles on a particular subject among journal titles. (Author)

This special issues describes multidimensional scaling (MDS), with emphasis on proximity and preference models. An introduction and six papers review statistical developments in MDS study design and scrutinize MDS research in four areas of application (consumer, social, cognitive, and vocational psychology). (SLD)