A linear regression function is developed for use in a classification procedure. The procedure is applied to faculty merit review data, resulting in an interpretable regression function and within-sample classifications as good as a four-funtion discriminant analysis. (Author/BW)

Known results for testing and estimation problems for patterned means and covariance matrices with explicit linear maximum likelihood estimates are applied to the block compound symmetry problem. An example involving educational testing is provided. (Author/JKS)

Results in the engineering literature on "k out of n system reliability" can be used to characterize tests based on estimates of the probability of correctly determining whether the examinee knows the correct response. In particular, the minimum number of distractors required for multiple-choice tests can be empirically determined.…

Analyzes the nature of Boolean information retrieval in relation to the discrete weights of query terms, examines assigned weights from an approach involving thresholds, and generates an evaluation mechanism which allows the user to attach a threshold to the query term. Thirteen references are listed. (FM)

The coincidence hypothesis predicts that dissimilarity between objects that differ on two separable dimensions is larger than predicted from their unidimensional differences on the basis of triangle inequality and segmental additivity. The coincidence hypothesis was supported in two-dimensional stimuli studies. (Author/CM)

This paper examines the properties of the Item Efficiency Index proposed by Neill and Jackson (1976; EJ 137 077) for minimum redundancy item analysis. (Author/BW)

Many researchers draw the conclusion that one independent variable has more impact than another without testing the null hypothesis that their impact is equal. This paper presents and recommends a technique for testing the relative magnitude of effects, rather than basing conclusions solely on descriptive statistics. (Author/BW)

Canonical correlation analysis is considered to be a general model for bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. Some problems involving assumptions and statistical tests for parameters exist for social science data. A resolution for these problems is presented by treating canonical correlation as a special case of linear structural…

The Triangular Constant Method was designed for the measurement of discriminability between sensory stimuli. Its original model assumes a steady excitatory detection state. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the consequences of assuming a variable exicitatory state and to formulate the concomitant model. (Author)

Disagreements have arisen about the robustness of the t test in normal populations with unequal variances. Employing liberal but objective standards for assessing robustness, it is shown that the t test is not always robust to the assumption of equal population variances even when sample sizes are equal. (Author/JKS)

Both the binomial and beta-binomial models are applied to various problems occurring in mental test theory. The paper reviews and critiques these models. The emphasis is on the extensions of the models that have been proposed in recent years, and that might not be familiar to many educators. (Author)

A family of models for the representation and assessment of individual differences for multivariate data called PINDIS (Procrustean Individual Differences Scaling) is presented. PINDIS sheds new light on the interpretability and applicability of a variety of multidimensional scaling models. (Author/JKS)

A rating response mechanism for ordered categories such as in Likert scaling, which is related to the traditional threshold formulation but distinctively different from it, is formulated. The mechanism is based on the Rasch model. Two parameters in addition to the usual Rasch parameters are identified and discussed. (Author/JKS)

Subjects decided whether sentences as "The treaty passed" were "true" or "false," given number of votes cast for the bill and criterion that determined its status. An additive-stages model was applied to verification times from the present and prior studies, and was used to describe certain markedness and congruity…

In an attempt to resolve conflicting conclusions arising from an investigation of the validity of the claimed psychological properties of Bloom's taxonomy, the LISREL method was applied to the data of Kropp and Stoker. The simplex assumption was supported when the knowledge category is deleted from the taxonomy. (Author/RL)