The use of item response theory models for analyzing the results of judgmental standard setting studies (the Angoff technique) for establishing minimum pass levels is discussed. A comparison of three methods indicates the traditional approach may not be best. A procedure based on generalizability theory is suggested. (GDC)

A review of model-selection criteria is presented, suggesting their similarities. Some problems treated by hypothesis tests may be more expeditiously treated by the application of model-selection criteria. Multivariate analysis, cluster analysis, and factor analysis are considered. (Author/GDC)

A new method of multiple discriminant analysis allows a mixture of continuous and discrete predictors. It handles conditional, joint, or separate sampling. Subjects and criterion groups are represented as points in a multidimensional Euclidean space. Advantages of the method, deriving from Akaike Information Criterion model evaluation, are…

Describes the two basic approaches to the calculation of term discrimination values for automatic indexing. The results of an experiment that investigated the differences between algorithms of these two approaches in terms of their impact on the discrimination value model are reported and discussed. (13 references) (Author/CLB)

Focuses on the role of the computer system in group decision making. Two systems used in solving negotiating problems--NEGO and MEDIATOR--and three procedures that can be utilized to develop group decision support systems are analyzed, based on multicriteria decision analysis and mathematical programming models. (Author/LRW)

This article demonstrates that the usual first-order factor model is inappropriate for analyzing the factor structure of creativity and intelligence tests. An alternative model that allows for the estimation of unique covariance between the fluency and originality scores is proposed. (Author/JAZ)

An approximate relationship is devised between the unidimensional model used in data analysis and a multidimensional model hypothesized to be generating the item responses. Scale shrinkage is successfully predicted for several sets of simulated data. (Author/LMO)

Causal models often omit variables that should be included, use variables that are measured fallibly, and ignore time lags. Such practices can lead to severely biased estimates of effects. The discussion explains these biases and shows how to take them into account. (Author)

Two methods of constucting equal-interval scales for educational achievement are discussed: Thurstone's absolute scaling method and Item Response Theory. Alternative criteria for choosing a scale are contrasted. It is argued that clearer criteria are needed for judging the appropriateness and usefulness of alternative scaling procedures.…

This paper points out the logical, theoretical, and statistical problems associated with the computation of the "pooled-within" correlation coefficient in partially segregated educational systems. (Author/LMO)

Based on data from 411 Filipino secondary school students, the hypothesis was tested that press for achievement from parents, peers, and teachers mediates the relationship between school grades from one year to the next. No support was found for this contention after linear and curvilinear regression models were examined. (Author/LMO)

The rational plane, consisting of the points in the Cartesian plane having two rational coordinates, is a model in which certain properties do not hold. Nine theorems are discussed. (MNS)

Maximum likelihood procedures are presented for a general model to unify the various models and techniques that have been proposed for item analysis. Unconditional maximum likelihood estimation, proposed by Wright and Haberman, and conditional maximum likelihood estimation, proposed by Rasch and Andersen, are shown as important special cases. (JAZ)

This article describes a Bayesian framework for estimation in item response models, with two-stage distributions on both item and examinee populations. Strategies for point and interval estimation are discussed, and a general procedure based on the EM algorithm is presented. (Author/LMO)

Develops a model of ideal minority representation to assess whether or not an employer's current personnel policies are consistent with a random hiring policy. The model is then applied to a case alleging sex discrimination in the hiring practices of a university academic department. Appended are 12 references. (MLF)