In multigroup covariance structure analysis with structured means, the traditional latent selection model is formulated as a special case of phenotypic selection. Illustrations with real and simulated data demonstrate how one can test specific hypotheses concerning selection on latent variables. (SLD)

Evaluates the contribution of social experiences to homogamy for anxiety disorders, major depression, and alcohol or drug dependence. Five prevailing explanations for observed homogamy are evaluated: (1) primary assortive mating; (2) secondary assortive mating; (3) similarity resulting from shared experiences; (4) increasing similarity through…

The potential for bias in reliability estimation and for errors in item selection when alpha or unit-weighted omega coefficients are used is explored under simulated conditions. Results suggest that composite reliability may be an assessment tool but should not be an item selection tool in structural equations. (SLD)

The effect of the conditioning score on the results of differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was examined with simulated data. The study demonstrates that results of DIF that rely on a conditioning score can be quite different depending on the conditioning variable that is selected. (SLD)

Humorously examines the presumption of undergraduate course titles, suggesting that they are not invitational and do not reflect the interests of the students. Offers an alternative list of courses based on the notion that relevance is determined not by course content but by the application of that content. (MAB)

The selection of subjects for research on learning disabilities is a function of contemporary notions about learning disabilities, the purpose of the study and level of knowledge about the topic, and practical constraints. Denigrations of the extant research database, along with unaffordable demands for subject selection and descriptions, threaten…

Discusses features to consider when selecting dictionaries. Topics addressed include the publishing industry; the dictionary market; profits from dictionaries; pricing; competitive marketing tactics, including similar titles, claims to numbers of entries and numbers of definitions, and similar physical appearance; a trademark infringement case;…

Employers (n=107) of human resource professionals described their hiring practices. Only 13 companies had human resource internship placements for college students. Most widely used methods for recruiting were newspapers, informal channels, and internal recruitment. Highest rating for initial screening criteria were given to job experience in…

Examined social effects of heavy drinking. In study 1, 44 participants disfavored heavy drinkers as dating and marriage prospects. In study 2, 29 persons who disfavored heavy drinkers gave reasons. In study 3, findings from 94 persons revealed that degree of endorsement of reasons from study 2 correlated with degree of preference for dating and…

Presents descriptions of the seven books selected for the 1991 Honor Listing. (SR)

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator is useful for team building and strengthening communication. However, it is misused if used for employee selection or for stereotyping. Managers should be trained in its proper use. (SK)

Describes how a high school English teacher used the novel "Cold Sassy Tree" in an elective course entitled Thanatology: A Literary Approach. Notes that the novel clearly addresses virtually every aspect of death, dying, grieving, and loss through an artful array of three-dimensional characters. (RS)

Questions the reasons for continuing to teach the same texts by canonical writers, instead of works of greater depth and meaning by the same authors. Describes other, less canonical works that are suitable for the secondary English classroom. (HB)

Assessment of the values (positive behavior, positive feelings, negative behavior, negative feelings, traditional values, Judeo-Christian religious values, other religious values, and neutral situations) presented in both American and Hispanic basal reader series found several differences among publishers and cultural groups that lead to…

Relates the author's frustration with the idea that writers of young adult literature should avoid profanity and make the books unobjectionable. Discusses the need for truth in telling the stories of his characters, and asserts that making his books unobjectionable would be to lie about what it is to be human. (PRA)