A model for simultaneous optimization of combinations of test-based decisions in psychology and education is proposed using Bayesian decision theory. Weak and strong rules are distinguished for a decision model that consists of a combination of placement and mastery decisions. (SLD)

Proposes a marginal Bayesian estimation procedure to improve item parameter estimates for the three parameter logistic model. Computer simulation suggests that implementing the marginal Bayesian estimation algorithm with four-parameter beta prior distributions and then updating the priors with empirical means of updated intermediate estimates can…

Fully and partially ranked data arise in a variety of contexts. From a Bayesian perspective, attention has focused on distance-based models; in particular, the Mallows model and extensions thereof. In this paper, a class of prior distributions, the "Binary Tree," is developed on the symmetric group. The attractive features of the class are: it…

This article describes an illustration of Bayesian inference that has proved popular with students.

This study considers the importance of contextual effects on the quality of assessments on item bias and differential item functioning (DIF) in measurement. Often, in educational studies, students are clustered in teachers or schools, and the clusters could impact psychometric issues yet are largely ignored by traditional item analyses. A…

With concern over parental involvement in students' academic lives on the rise, research is needed to provide guidance for advisors and parents. In this article, student-parent interactions about academic and career decisions are examined. Data come from the Brown University Office of Institutional Research and semi-structured interviews with…

Research suggests effective classroom ICT integration occurs through needs-based, collaborative professional development (Chandra-Handa, 2001; Cuttance, 2001; Figg, 2000; Gibson, Oberg, & Pelz, 1999; Gross, 2000; Haughey, 2002). A community of practice (CoP) (Wenger, 1998; Wenger, McDermott, & Snyder, 2002) can be an effective mode of such…

This study reassessed the extent to which socio-economic background, gender, and region endure as sources of educational inequality in Canada. The analysis utilized the 28,000 student Canadian sample from the data set of the OECD's 2003 "Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)". Results, consistent with previous findings,…

This article explores the statistical methodologies used in demonstration and effectiveness studies when the treatments are applied across multiple settings. The importance of evaluating and how to evaluate these types of studies are discussed. As an alternative to standard methodology, the authors of this article offer an empirical binomial…

Practical meta-analysis of correlation matrices generally ignores covariances (and hence correlations) between correlation estimates. The authors consider various methods for allowing for covariances, including generalized least squares, maximum marginal likelihood, and Bayesian approaches, illustrated using a 6-dimensional response in a series of…

In light of a recent revelation that Gersten (1985) included erroneous information on one of two programs for English Language Learners (ELLs), the authors re-calculate results of their earlier meta-analysis of program effectiveness studies for ELLs in which Gersten's studies had behaved as outliers (Rolstad, Mahoney & Glass, 2005). The correction…

In meta-analysis, it is common to have dependent effect sizes, such as several effect sizes from the same sample but measured at different times. Cheung and Chan proposed the adjusted-individual and adjusted-weighted procedures to estimate the degree of dependence and incorporate this estimate in the meta-analysis. The present study extends the…

Examines the question of how large a sample must be in order to produce empirical Bayes estimates which are preferable to other commonly used estimates, such as proportion correct observed score. (Author/RC)

A specific application of a general paradigm described by R. D. Cook (1986) and R. McCulloch (1985) in assessing local influence is given. Snow geese flock size is estimated as "X" by an observer and "Y" by a photograph. "Y" is believed to be the true flock size. The problem is to obtain true flock size "Z"…

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate in detail how the Empirical Bayes (EB) statistical estimation strategy can be applied to an important class of educational research contexts. EB methods are tailored specifically to the analysis of data with a hierarchical structure. For instance, investigators may be interested in discovering how…