This paper notes three objections to the use of hand-held calculators in schools: they would (1) block reasoning, (2) make individuals machine-dependent, and (3) broaden the gap between developed and underdeveloped nations. Each is addressed, with specific examples used to refute them. The belief is strongly expressed that calculators can aid in…

This monograph reviews the development of goal programming models, discusses their current status, and projects research frontiers. An introductory section presents a brief history of the models and acknowledges the work of several authors in the field. The bulk of the paper is devoted to the presentation of aggregate model structures (including…

This is a study on the operating efficiency of the public library system in Australia. Cost functions have been fitted to library data and the results are interpreted with a view to generating insights into the functioning of the existing library system. An exploratory cost benefit analysis has also been attempted. Activities of libraries have…

The application of latent trait theory to classroom tests necessitates the use of small sample sizes for parameter estimation. Computer generated data were used to assess the accuracy of estimation of the slope and location parameters in the two parameter logistic model with fixed abilities and varying small sample sizes. The maximum likelihood…

The Rasch model of test theory is described in general terms, compared with latent trait theory, and shown to have interesting applications for the measurement of affective as well as cognitive traits. Three assumption of the Rasch model are stated to support the conclusion that calibration of the items and tests is independent of the examinee…

The multivariate general linear hypothesis (MGLH) has received relatively little utilization in educational research and evaluation. This is surprising in view of the fact that recent publications have made the MGLH tractable by practitioners. This paper seeks to stimulate interest in the MGLH by reviewing recent applications, emphasizing the…

The purpose of the present study is to demonstrate the utility of data analysis methodology in evaluative research relating pupil and curriculum variables to pupil achievement. Regression models which account for achievement will result from the application of the methodology to two evaluative problems--one of curriculum comparison and another…

This paper will discuss the results of a series of computer simulations comparing the Rasch logistic model to a series of models departing to various degrees from its assumption of equal discrimination power for all items. The results have implications for test construction and test scoring, indicating how closely the conventional raw score…

This paper provides a clarification of two factors--the differences in pupil need (as reflected by the proportion of disadvantaged or handicapped pupils in a district) and the differences in the prices of school inputs across districts--that affects the cost of educational services and a conceptual framework that may be useful in making welfare…

In this study, the data originally used by Hemphill, Griffiths, and Frederiksen in their "Whittman" study of principals' behavior patterns were factor analyzed using psychometric techniques. Results of the analysis substantiated four of the eight originally defined dimensions of administrative behavior, and an additional important factor termed…

This report gives some simple examples of stability for one factor and 2 x 2 factorial analysis of variance, reliability and correlations. The findings are very different: from superstability (no transformation whatsoever can change the result) to almost total instability. This is followed by a discussion of applications to multivariate analysis,…

In this report, the theoretical background and procedures for a study of concept learning are discussed. Several definitions of the term "concept" are analyzed, and the relations among concepts, chains of concepts, and hierarchies of concepts are explored. Conceptual learning is discussed from several points of view, and axiom systems for the…

In this volume, the results of a study of concept learning are presented. (The background for the study, and descriptions of the treatments--rote reception, rote discovery, conceptual reception, and conceptual discovery--are provided in Part 1.) Several hypotheses concerning the effectiveness of these treatments in learning concepts and on the…

Statistical methods that can be applied in the sequential analysis of multivariate empirical data are provided. Twenty-three specific formulas for use under varying conditions are discussed. A historical sketch of sequential analysis since World War II and a bibliography are included. (AE)

This cross section micro model of labor supply uses area variables to identify the response of individuals to area labor market conditions, while simultaneously estimating individual and family effects on labor supply. Interactions between variables are specified in the model, as are the relative effects of offsetting variables, such as the income…