The Libby-Novick class of three-parameter generalized beta distributions is shown to provide a rich class of prior distributions for the binomial model that removes some restrictions of the standard beta class. A numerical example indicates the desirability of using these wider classes of densities for binomial models. (Author/BW)

Barriers that hinder development of cooperative arrangements among libraries in Costa Rica are identified by studying librarians' perceptions of obstacles. A ranked list of barriers shows that the most important obstacles are related to administration and governance, absence of guidelines, poor public relations, and a limited number of…

Discussion of a new method of index term dictionary compression in an inverted-file-oriented database highlights a technique of word coding, which generates short fixed-length codes obtained from the index terms themselves by analysis of monogram and bigram statistical distributions. Substantial savings in communication channel utilization are…

Under the assumptions of classical measurement theory and the condition of normality, a formula is derived for the reliability of composite scores. The formula represents an extension of the Spearman-Brown formula to the case of truncated data. (Author/JAZ)

Describes research which measured the efficiency of role operators through frequency of appearances in PRECIS input strings for 200 abstracts related to taxation, genetic psychology, and Shakespearian drama. Frequencies of appearance of major categories of role operators, role operators in different subjects, individual main line operators, and…

Describes the Adjusted Agreement Index, a strategy for analyzing collected data from questionnaires utilizing Likert-type scales. Steps involved in using this index and its strengths and weaknesses are outlined, and a case study illustrating how it was used to summarize data on a distance education course package is presented. (MBR)

This update of 1978 bibliometric study of online retrieval literature reveals that: literature has continued to grow, reaching peak annual output (504 papers) in 1981; conference literature has become centralized in four major proceedings; online retrieval papers have appeared in 479 journals; and 31 authors have contributed 10 or more papers.…

This paper explains how to combine probabilities from discrete distributions, such as probability distributions for nonparametric tests. (Author/BW)

This paper reports on a mathematics course in an Austrian high school that focuses on probability distributions. Students in this course used a TI-92 during math classes, at home for doing exercises, and during math tests. The TI-92 was used as a tool for calculations and illustrations making the concepts of probability distributions easy to…

Reports conversational topics among same-sex adult friends, co-workers, siblings, parents and children. Confirms findings of previous researchers but also reveals insights concerning same-sex conversational interactions, especially the sex differences in talk about sports. Includes the self-report questionnaire and tables of reported frequency of…

Uses bibliometric techniques in the development of a model of the distribution of demand for items in an information store. The hypothesis of hyperbolic distribution and an index of differential demand are also discussed. One table, two figures, and a 10-item reference list accompany the text. (Author/JL)

The seven articles in this edition show that cost-benefit analysis is emerging from the confusion of the 1980s and is probably going to become the central tool of program evaluation in the future. The modern approach involves incorporating probability distributions into the cost-benefit analysis. None of the articles are specifically…

Describes a technique for statistically comparing bibliometric models and illustrates its use with two examples using Lotka's hypothesis of author productivity and one example using library circulation frequencies. Topics discussed include nested statistical models, analysis of variance, regression, log-linear models, and the likelihood ratio…

Two simple empirical approximate Bayes estimators are introduced for estimating domain scores under binomial and hypergeometric distributions respectively. Criteria are established regarding use of these functions over maximum likelihood estimation counterparts. (SLD)

Describes the development of computer-based searching methods to support literature-based discoveries in medical literature through a replication of the discovery of a connection between Raynaud's disease and dietary fish oil. Topics include the logic of literature-based discovery, information retrieval methods for text analysis, and statistics…