A natural parameterization and formalization of the problem of measuring change in dichotomous data is developed. Mathematically-exact definitions of specific objectivity are presented, and the basic structures of the linear logistic test model and the linear logistic model with relaxed assumptions are clarified. (SLD)

A new method, based on loglinear models, is proposed for statistical analysis of dyadic social interaction data measured over time. The data are assumed to be realizations of a social network of a fixed set of actors interacting on a single relation. Associative and predictive statistical models are developed. (TJH)

It is argued that human memory is adaptively designed and that much can be learned by understanding its adaptiveness. The information-retrieval problem is framed, and optimal memory behavior is derived. Applying this framework to the classic free-recall paradigm is discussed. (SLD)

A model was developed for estimating individuals' true changes on test scores using the additional information provided by an auxiliary variable correlated with a trait being measured. This provides an improved and more precise estimate when compared with simple difference scores. It involves the reliability of "X" scores only. (SLD)

A simple procedure for establishing convergent and discriminant validity is presented, as an alternative to the LISREL-based nested model used by R. P. Bagozzi (1978) and K. F. Widaman (1985). Ordinary least-squares regression is used, with the correlation between measures as the dependent variable. (SLD)

Presents a summary report of the Algebra Working Group's discussion subgroup on secondary algebra at the Seventh International Conference on Mathematical Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. Three appendixes include the reactions to the keynote addresses in this issue. (MKR)

Biases and models usually offered by cognitive and social psychology and by philosophy to explain causal induction are evaluated with respect to focal sets (contextually determined sets of events over which covariation is computed). A probabilistic contrast model is proposed as underlying covariation computation in natural causal induction. (SLD)

Presents an allegory to illustrate the problem of testing an axiomatic system. A fictitious discussion begins by examining an axiomatic system underlying the intercom system of an association. The discussion continues to examine an unusual model of Euclidean geometry and a model of the noneuclidean geometry discovered by Lobachevsky. (MDH)

The one-sided problem of comparing treatments with a standard on the basis of data available in the context of a one-way analysis of variance is examined, and the methodology of S. Chakraborti and J. D. Gibbons (1991) is extended to the case of unequal sample sizes. (SLD)

The concept of item discrimination is generalized to the case in which more than one ability is required to determine the correct response to an item, using the conceptual framework of item response theory and the definition of multidimensional item difficulty previously developed by M. Reckase (1985). (SLD)

Two versions of a decision rule for determining the most appropriate number of clusters on the basis of a correlation matrix are presented, applied, and compared with three other decision rules. The new rule is efficient for determining the number of clusters on the surface level for multilevel data. (SLD)

Adaptive forms of weighted structural regression are developed and discussed. Bootstrapping studies indicate that the new methods have potential to recover known population regression weights and predict criterion score values routinely better than do ordinary least squares methods. The new methods are scale free and simple to compute. (SLD)

Discusses language comprehension and describes a technology for computer-aided text analysis called READWARE and software from the READWARE family called the Research Assistant that measures the relatedness of words or phrases by examining their letters. The theory of Letter Semantics is explained, and paradigms for text processing in information…

A method of comparing one-step M-estimates of location for heavy tailed distributions is proposed and investigated. Simulations indicate that the new procedure provides good control over Type I errors and has more power than do some other methods for dealing with heavy tailed distributions. (SLD)

E.J. Bedrick recently derived the asymptotic distribution of the modified sample biserial correlation estimator of F.M. Lord and studied its efficacy for bivariate normal populations. A more detailed examination of the properties of Lord's estimator is provided, and the small sample bias and variance are studied. (SLD)