Discusses the paradoxes that can result when physical examples lead to infinite series. Two examples are presented: the Madelung energy of a one-dimensional array of alternating positive and negative charges, and a point charge between infinite parallel plates. (BB)

Ridge regression is an approach to the problem of large standard errors of regression estimates of intercorrelated regressors. The effect of ridge regression on the estimated squared multiple correlation coefficient is discussed and illustrated. (JKS)

Frequency, rank, and frequency rank distributions are defined. Extensive discussion on several aspects of frequency rank distributions includes the Poisson process as a means of exploring the stability of ranks; the correlation of frequency rank distributions; and the transfer coefficient, a new measure in frequency rank distribution. (MBR)

The weighted kappa coefficient is a measure of interrater agreement when the relative seriousness of each possible disagreement can be quantified. This monte carlo study demonstrates the utility of the kappa coefficient for ordinal data. Sample size is also briefly discussed. (Author/JKS)

Procrustean analysis is a form of factor analysis where a target matrix of results is specified and then approximated. Procrustean analysis is extended here to the case where matrices have different row order. (Author/JKS)

Component analysis provides an attractive alternative to factor analysis, since component scores are easily determined while factor scores can only be estimated. The correct method of determining component scores is presented as well as several illustrations of how commonly used incorrect methods distort the meaning of the component solution. (RC)

The role of conditionality in the INDSCAL and ALSCAL multidimensional scaling procedures is explained. The effects of conditionality on subject weights produced by these procedures is illustrated via a single set of simulated data. Results emphasize the need for caution in interpreting subject weights provided by these techniques. (Author/JKS)

Proposes a probabilistic mechanism to describe various forms of the Bradford phenomenon reported in bibliographic research. The inclusion of a time parameter in the model to allow predictions of dynamic systems is explained. (58 references) (CLB)

This paper studies the general theory of Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and provides two analytical extensions. The extensions make AIC asymptotically consistent and penalize overparameterization more stringently to pick only the simplest of the two models. The criteria are applied in two Monte Carlo experiments. (Author/GDC)

The shape of the response surface associated with a discriminant analysis provides insight into the value of the derived optimal discriminant variates. A procedure for the determination of "indifference regions," presented in this article, allows the assessment of the degree of flatness of the response surface for any analysis.…

Latent class analysis is formulated as a problem of estimating parameters in a finite mixture distribution. The EM algorithm is used to find the maximum likelihood estimates, and the case of categorical variables with more than two categories is considered. (Author)

A new algorithm to obtain the least squares solution in common factor analysis is presented. It is based on the up-and-down Marquadt algorithm developed by the present authors. Experiments in the use of the algorithm under various conditions are discussed. (Author/JKS)

A family of solutions for linear relations among k sets of variables is proposed. Solutions are compared with respect to their optimality properties. For each solution the appropriate stationary equations are given. For one example it is shown how the determinantal equation of the stationary equations can be interpreted. (Author/BW)

The assumptions of the Rasch model are discussed and the Rasch model is reformulated as a quasi-independence model. Using ordinary contingency table methods, the Rasch model can be tested generally or against less restrictive quasi-loglinear models to investigate specific violations of its assumptions. (Author/BW)

In this paper the parameter identifiability and estimation of a general dynamic structural model under indirect observation is considered from a system theoretic perspective. (Author/LMO)