A maximin model for test design based on item response theory is proposed. Only the relative shape of target test information function is specified. It serves as a constraint subject to which a linear programing algorithm maximizes the test information. The model is illustrated, and alternative models are discussed. (TJH)

Presents the list-structure data model for dealing with sets of objects, which has ordering as its fundamental principle. An extended notion of patterns and several operators of the algebra are presented. Design issues that influenced the development of the language are described. (Contains 30 references.) (KRN)

Point-estimate and confidence-interval procedures are proposed for the (1) combined Mann-Whitney U test; (2) combined two-sample normal-scores test; (3) combined matched-pair Wilcoxon signed-ranks test; and (4) combined matched-pair normal-scores test. The four techniques are illustrated with hypothetical examples and are considered either…

A procedure is described for minimizing a class of matrix trace functions, which is a refinement of an earlier procedure for minimizing the class of matrix trace functions using majorization. Several trial analyses demonstrate that the revised procedure is more efficient than the earlier majorization-based procedure. (SLD)

Introduces a new measure of bargaining toughness based on dynamical information that can easily be used in integrative bargaining scenarios. Develops a mathematical measure of bargaining toughness that takes into account not only how much the bargainer has conceded but how fast he or she has done so. (RS)

Introduces Rene Thom's catastrophe theory, which is based upon complex theorems in multidimensional geometry. Catastrophe theory analysis begins by identifying the occurrence of major discontinuities, or catastrophes, in a system such as civil service exams, resulting in catastrophic change. (KS)

A globally optimal solution is presented for a class of functions composed of a linear regression function and a penalty function for the sums of squared regression weights. A completing-the-squares approach is used, rather than calculus, because it yields global minimality easily in two of three cases examined. (SLD)

Presents a mathematical model for projecting class cohort sizes for districts and schools via demographic data. The model allows entry of estimates for local preschool data to predict first-grade entrants, which are progressed through the school system. Average retention rates, school apportionments and national demographic projections can be…

This article offers comments and clarifications of Egghe's paper, which dealt with information production processes (IPP) and the Gini index. Topics addressed include the length of the Lorenz curve as a concentration measure, the discrete duality operator, and a Bradford-Leimkuhler distribution. (10 references) (LRW)

Arguments by J. Levin (1988) challenging the convergence properties of the Harman and Jones (1966) method of Minres factor analysis are shown to be invalid. Claims about the invalidity of a rank-one version of the Harman and Jones method are also refuted. (TJH)

An asymmetric version of J. Cohen's kappa statistic is presented as an appropriate measure for the agreement between two observers classifying items into nominal categories, when one observer represents the "standard." A numerical example with three categories is provided. (SLD)

Computational formulas are developed for recovering measures of strength of association from approximate "F" tests and chi-square tests associated with four multivariate test statistics. The four statistics include Wilke's Lambda; Pillai's Trace "V"; Hotelling's Trace "T"; and Roy's greatest characteristic root…

A flexible data analysis approach is proposed that combines the psychometric procedures seriation and multidimensional scaling. The method, which is particularly appropriate for analysis of proximities containing temporal information, is illustrated using a matrix of cocitations in publications by 18 presidents of the Psychometric Society.…

Procedures for determining the number of clusters in a data set are explored. A proposed stopping rule, the GRAPH criterion, is compared to four stopping rules currently in use. The GRAPH criterion's mathematically attractive properties and utility in solving the number-of-clusters problem are demonstrated. (SLD)

A Statistical Analysis System (SAS) macro procedure for performing a jackknife analysis on structure coefficients in discriminant analysis is described together with issues and caveats about its use in multivariate methods. An example of use of the SAS macro is provided. (SLD)