Three case studies are presented demonstrating the application of straight-forward Rasch techniques to rank order data. Paired comparisons are the simplest form of rank ordering. A consumer preference test with 56 pairs of cups of coffee tasted by each of 26 consumers illustrates analysis of these rankings. When subjects are allowed the option of…

Since 1985 several procedures for computerized test construction using linear programing techniques have been described in the literature. To apply these procedures successfully, suitable item banks are needed. The problem of designing item banks based on item response theory (IRT) is addressed. A procedure is presented that determines whether an…

A new index for assessing the dimensionality underlying a set of test items was investigated. The incremental fit index (IFI) is based on the sum of squares of the residual covariances. Purposes of the study were to: (1) examine the distribution of the IFI in the null situation, with truly unidimensional data; (2) examine the rejection rate of the…

Three methods of factor analyzing dichotomously scored item performance data were compared using two raw score data sets of 20-item tests, one reflecting normally distributed latent traits and the other reflecting uniformly distributed latent traits. This comparison was accomplished by using phi and tetrachoric correlations among dichotomous data…

Multiple group factor analysis is described and illustrated through a simulation involving 5,000 examinees. The estimation process of the group factors were implemented using the TESTFACT program of Wilson and others (1987). Group factor analysis is described as a special case of confirmatory factor analysis. Group factors can be computed based on…

Many researchers have suggested that the main cause of item bias is the misspecification of the latent ability space. That is, items that measure multiple abilities are scored as though they are measuring a single ability. If two different groups of examinees have different underlying multidimensional ability distributions and the test items are…

In this paper, academic efficiency is operationally defined and a methodology for measuring it at the school level is described. Academic efficiency is defined as the extent to which a school utilizes its time for the academic development of all its students. The measure of academic efficiency must include three elements: time, students, and…

On the premise that the more formal algebraic presentation of statistics must be placed in a concrete context to facilitate student understanding, the author presents a pedagogical device involving the construction of miniature numerical examples that illustrate how the statistical model imposes structure on empirical data. (JT)

On the assumption that student learning is the principal outcome of higher education, the author presents a model of individual choice (as opposed to a methodological approach that assumes some exogeneously determined goal), which incorporates the student in his role as consumer and producer of knowledge and the complementary faculty role. (JT)

Mathematical modelling activities related to everyday situations (e.g., traffic lights) can be used to develop probability concepts. (SD)

Two approaches to teaching number concepts and operations are discussed. Their relationships to the foundations of mathematics as well as to the characteristics of the learner are explored. On the basis of this discussion the implicit approach is advocated over the definitial approach. (SD)

The paper describes the labor supply effects of changes in the rate of interest on wage rates paid in generalized training occupations. The evidence appears to be consistent with the hypothesis that the rate of interest is a determinant of labor supply and is positively related to occupational wage rates. (Author)

Objectives of teaching mathematics to engineering and science students are defined, and the role of the computer, especially the interactive terminal, in achieving these objectives is discussed. (SD)

The author argues that teaching students to program a computer enhances their logical reasoning, problem solving skills, understanding of models, and ability to examine one's work critically. (SD)

The author describes a model for operations on the set of rationals. Thi s model, used by students in a laboratory situation, is based on an easily constructed number balance. (SD)