The analysis of interaction among latent variables has received much attention. This article introduces a Bayesian approach to analyze a general structural equation model that accommodates the general nonlinear terms of latent variables and covariates. This approach produces a Bayesian estimate that has the same statistical optimal properties as a…

In this paper we introduce a latent variable model (LVM) for mixed ordinal and continuous responses, where covariate effects on the continuous latent variables are modelled through a flexible semiparametric Gaussian regression model. We extend existing LVMs with the usual linear covariate effects by including nonparametric components for nonlinear…

An expression-induction model was used to simulate the evolution of basic color terms to test Berlin and Kay's (1969) hypothesis that the typological patterns observed in basic color term systems are produced by a process of cultural evolution under the influence of biases resulting from the special properties of universal focal colors. Ten agents…

The randomized response technique ensures that individual item responses, denoted as true item responses, are randomized before observing them and so-called randomized item responses are observed. A relationship is specified between randomized item response data and true item response data. True item response data are modeled with a (non)linear…

The authors explore priming effects of pitch repetition in music in 3 experiments. Musically untrained participants heard a short melody and sang the last pitch of the melody as quickly as possible. Each experiment manipulated (a) whether or not the tone to be sung (target) was heard earlier in the melody (primed) and (b) the prime-target distance…

The authors tested the hypothesis that a match between the gender relevance of a stressor and one's sex or gender role identification would elicit higher cardiovascular responses. Healthy female and male undergraduates (n = 108) were exposed to two stressors: the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) and the n-back task. Stressor relevance was manipulated to be…

The authors propose a concise formula to evaluate the standard error of the estimated latent variable score when the true values of the structural parameters are not known and must be estimated. The formula can be applied to factor scores in factor analysis or ability parameters in item response theory, without bootstrap or Markov chain Monte…

The authors respond to the article by H. F. Coelho, P. H. Canter, and E. Ernst (2007), which reviewed the current status of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). First, they clarify the randomization procedures in the 2 main MBCT trials. Second, they report posttreatment and follow-up data to show that trial participants allocated to…

In his 1979 "Human Development" article reprinted in this anniversary issue, James Wertsch presented an approach to genetic analysis of the shifting regulation of problem-solving behavior in early childhood. In my reflections on Wertsch's seminal contribution, I discuss ways that subsequent inquiry built upon ideas he elaborated in the…

The threshold utility model for culture-fair selection is defined for both quota-free and for restricted selection. In addition a full Bayesian solution based on posterior predictive distributions is provided. Mathematical derivations and an example are provided. (JKS)

Proposes a Bayesian analysis of the multivariate linear model with polytomous variables. Shows how a Gibbs sampler algorithm is implemented to produce the Bayesian estimates. Illustrates the proposed methodology through examples using multivariate linear regression and multivariate two-way analysis of variance with real data. (SLD)

Studied a multiple group model with ordinal categorical observed variables that are manifestations of underlying normal variables. Proposed to apply across-group stochastic constraints on thresholds to identify the model and used a Bayesian approach to analyze the model. Simulation findings and the analysis of a real data set show the usefulness…

Illustrates procedures for prediction analysis in 2 X 2 contingency tables through the analyses of solutions of six types of problems associated with the acquisition of fractions. Reviews and extends confidence interval procedures previously proposed for an index of predictive efficiency of implication hypotheses. Compares frequentist coverage…

Presents a Bayesian method for obtaining an interval estimate of the population squared multiple correlation from an incomplete multivariate normal data set. Estimates were constructed using Gibbs sampling. Simulation studies indicate that the method can yield accurate interval estimates of the population squared multiple correlation. (SLD)

Bayesian factor analysis (BFA) assumes the normal distribution of the current sample conditional on the parameters. Practical data in social and behavioral sciences typically have significant skewness and kurtosis. If the normality assumption is not attainable, the posterior analysis will be inaccurate, although the BFA depends less on the current…