The present study points out problems in the model, indices of familiality, and design used by Benbow, Zonderman, and Stanley in a study of precocious children and their parents. (Author/LMO)

This working paper contains the overheads used in a seminar designed to introduce some basic concepts of statistics to nonstatisticians. The seminar has been presented on several occasions. The first part of the seminar, and the first set of overheads, deals with the essentials of statistics, including: (1) population, sample, and inference; (2)…

Study compares the Rasch and the Guttman models of measurement and thus adds to the description of the characteristics of Rasch's logistic model. Such knowledge is of importance in making decisions as to which model and which statistics should be used in evaluations of tests. (Author/CB)

Similarities between regression analysis and analysis of variance are noted and it is argued that the former has advantages over the latter. It is also argued that canonical correlation analysis is more suitable than factor analysis in certain cases. The argument is illustrated with four recent pieces of educational research. (DG)

The restrictions on item difficulties that must be met when binomial models are applied to domain-referenced testing are examined. Both a deterministic and a stochastic conception of item responses are discussed with respect to difficulty and Guttman-type items. (Author/BH)

A multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) analysis of alienation employed two personality constructs conceptually relevant to alienation: hostility and locus of control. MTMM analysis indicated that eight of 15 convergent validity coefficients were statistically significant; however, magnitude was small and Campbell-Fiske criteria were not satisfied…

Two methods of analyzing nonorthogonal (uneven cell sizes) cross-classified data sets are compared. The methods are direct standardization and the general linear model. The authors illustrate when direct standardization may be a desirable method of analysis. (JKS)

Two major and two minor principles are shown to serve to generate a large number of multivariate models, including canonical analysis, factor analysis, and latent trait test theory. The statistical underpinnings of the theory are discussed. (Author/JKS)

This study analyzes the effects that state licensing requirements have had on barber supply and on new entrants into the trade over the period 1969-1973. The authors found that the minimum education requirements, barber school hours required, and months of apprenticeship required have had little or no significant effect. (MF)

Examines the effect on earnings of variations among individuals in postschool human investment (namely, in work experience after the completion of schooling). Data from the Johns Hopkins Retrospective Life History Survey are analyzed to make possible a reformulation of Becker and Chiswick's econometric model to allow for additional variations…

Discusses a simple technique for stochastic resource planning that, when computerized, can assist educational managers in the process of quantifying the future uncertainty, thereby, helping them make better decisions. The example used is a school lunch program. (Author/IRT)

Uses a foundation-equalizing model to develop a number of indicators measuring the extent to which states utilize the full range of equalization tools at its disposal. Illustrates the utility of these indicators through an evaluation of the school finance reform instituted by Rhode Island between 1992 and 1996. (Contains 25 references.)…

The linear logistic model with relaxed assumption is extended to designs with any number of time points or with different sets of items presented on different occasions, provided that one unidimensional subscale is available per latent trait. A sample application is presented. (SLD)