This article examines using moment-based statistics to screen variables that are then used in clustering. A Monte Carlo study found that screening variables was a viable alternative to both ultrametric weighting and forward selection of variables. Advantages and disadvantages of screening are discussed. (SLD)

A method for comparing the cross-validated classification accuracies of linear and quadratic classification rules is presented under varying data conditions for the "k"-group classification problem. Separate-group and total-group proportions of correct classifications can be compared for the two rules, as is illustrated. (Author/SLD)

Discusses the issues surrounding affirmative action and racial preference policies. Includes interviews with civil rights lawyers, researchers, professors, and members of Congress. Suggests that even without specific quotas, businesses, advertisers, and institutions will strive for diversity in their workforces. (JOW)

It is argued that animals, whether nutritionally replete or nutrient deprived, are not particularly adept at selecting a balanced diet when offered a number of alternatives of varying nutritive value and that the data have never actually indicated otherwise in spite of opinions to the contrary. (SLD)

Analyzed census and vital statistics for U.S. metropolitan areas in 1980 to investigate effects of mate availability, socioeconomic status and employment, public assistance, population size, and region on several aspects of family formation and family structure among African Americans. Mate availability had positive effect on marriage prevalence…

To investigate the establishment and maintenance of employee-organization fit, a recent study tracked the early careers of 171 entry-level auditors in 8 large U.S. public accounting firms and assessed the congruence of their values with organizational values. Recruits whose values match the firm's adjust more quickly and experience greater job…

A study identified what 55 South Georgia employers considered to be important items on a resume and compared those preferences to those of national hiring officials. Results indicate that levels of importance attached to specific items vary and applicants must tailor their resumes to specific employers. (JOW)

Provides a discussion of an alternative two-stage least squares (2SLS) technique to include interactions of latent variables in structural equation models. The method requires selection of instrumental variables, and rules for selection are presented. An empirical example and Statistical Analysis System programs are presented. (SLD)

Contributes to scholarship on employment interviewing effectiveness. Outlines how some interviewer strategies are actually counterproductive. Argues that interviewers can better serve employers' and applicants' needs by enabling the best performances of which applicants are capable, practicing conscious transparency, and sharing control of the…

Describes the problems related to the hiring of senior-level positions. Suggests that regardless of the hiring process used, between 30% and 50% of executive-level appointments end in firing or resignation. Discusses the most common mistakes used in hiring. (JOW)

Takes several goodness-of-fit statistics as measures of variable selection and develops backward elimination and forward selection procedures in exploratory factor analysis. A newly developed variable selection program, SEFA, can print several fit measures for a current model and models obtained by removing an internal variable or adding an…

Describes how the search for a president of the University of Florida was waylaid by politics and missteps. One of the problems discussed is that large selection committees often frighten away candidates. (EV)

Discusses the process of personnel selection as an element of performance improvement and suggests that how well a potential employee will fit into the organizational culture should be a selection criteria. Describes five steps to integrate organizational culture into the personnel selection process, including an internal organizational cultural…

A Bayesian approach for simultaneous optimization of test-based decisions is presented using the example of a selection decision for a treatment followed by a mastery decision. A distinction is made between weak and strong rules, and conditions for monotonicity of optimal weak and strong rules are presented. (Author/SLD)

Describes three-step guide to choosing computer hardware: Determining system requirements, making the purchase, living with your choices. (PKP)