Highlights semantic links and shows how the semantic content of hypertext links can be used for information retrieval. Discussion includes indexing and retrieval algorithms that exploit link content and node content; retrieval strategies exploiting semantic links, including conventional retrieval and constrained spreading activation techniques;…

This article presents arguments that the correlation measure "r" of halo is not conceptually more appropriate than the standard deviation (SD) measure. It also describes conditions under which halo effects occur and when the SD and r measures can be used. Neither measure is uniformly superior to the other. (SLD)

A new approximation is proposed for testing the equality of "k" independent means in the face of heterogeneity of variance. Monte Carlo simulations show that the new procedure has nearly nominal Type I error rates and Type II error rates that are close to those produced by James's second-order approximation. (SLD)

A previous paper proposed a generalized family of coefficients of relational agreement for multiple judges. It focused on the concept of empirically meaningful relationships. This paper presents an ordinal coefficient of relational agreement as a special case of the generalized family. The proposed ordinal coefficient encompasses other ordinal…

Seven univariate procedures for testing omnibus null hypotheses for data gathered from repeated measures designs were evaluated, comparing five alternative approaches with two more traditional procedures. Results suggest that the alternatives are improvements. The most effective alternate procedure in controlling Type I error rates is discussed.…

A computer simulation compared significance tests of correlation coefficients calculated from initial scores, from ranks assigned by the Spearman method, and from three kinds of modified ranks. Implications of findings for the idea that rank correlation is a nonparametric correlation method are discussed. (SLD)

The use of structural equation modeling (SEM) with latent variables to address measurement error and to examine processes that may account for changes in observed outcomes in data from experimental studies is illustrated. An example from a Project Family study is provided; issues that arise in applying SEM procedures are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Discusses statistical analyses of the effect of reduction in opening hours on book issues, or borrowing, of public library authorities (PLAs) in the United Kingdom. Demonstrates the difficulties involved in using statistical data to make accurate predictions of the impact of opening hour reductions on borrowing. (Author/LRW)

Steven Ross's (2005) recent paper empirically measuring the efficacy of formative assessment compared to the summative variety found that the former produced positive effects on some aspects of language learning. In this critique, it is contended that Ross's study is flawed because his two groups of learners, one receiving summative assessment and…

This article looks at the methodological problems created by incorrectly using between-class data when looking at effects generated by individual students. The grade/evaluation association found in the student evaluation of teaching was used as a case example. A theoretical framework to understand the contributions to the relationship by both…

Monte Carlo studies investigated effects of within-group covariance structure on subgroup recovery by several widely used hierarchical clustering methods. In Study 1, subgroup size, within-group correlation, within-group variance, and distance between subgroup centroids were manipulated. All clustering methods were strongly affected by…

This paper empirically and systematically assessed the performance of bootstrap resampling procedure as it was applied to a regression model. Parameter estimates from Monte Carlo experiments (repeated sampling from population) and bootstrap experiments (repeated resampling from one original bootstrap sample) were generated and compared. Sample…

Discusses the idea that with larger cohorts of the very old, subjects in their 80s and 90s will be increasingly sought as respondents. Points out various steps that need to be taken to assure that this older group will be represented by the ailing as well as the healthy community residents. (Author/EJT)

To examine the ability of the correction factor epsilon to counteract statistical bias in univariate analysis, an analysis of variance (adjusted by epsilon) and a multivariate analysis of variance were performed on the same data. The results indicated that univariate analysis is a fully protected design when used with epsilon. (JMB)

This study had two purposes: to test the usefulness of partial order scalogram analysis with multivariate response data; and to illustrate the multidimensional nature of suicide risk. A detailed introduction describes partial order scalograms, which locate respondents' profiles in a two-dimensional space (rather than on a unidimensional Guttman…