Discusses database design concept termed "normalization" (process replacing associations between data with associations in two-dimensional tabular form) which results in formation of relational databases (they are to computers what dictionaries are to spoken languages). Applications of the database in serials control and complex systems…

This article examines the use of the statistical technique of log-linear analysis in the field of vocational education. It introduces the technique and provides a step-by-step example of the log-linear procedure in the analysis of qualitative data. Advantages and limitations of the technique are also discussed. (Author)

The problem of correlating variables from different scale types is discussed. A general correlation coefficient, based on symmetrization theory, is derived. The coefficient is invariant over permitted transformations of the variables for their respective (possibly nonequivalent) scale types. (Author/JKS)

The extent to which one can reduce the rank of a symmetric matrix by only changing its diagonal entries is discussed. Extension of this work to minimum trace factor analysis is presented. (Author/JKS)

Commonality components have been defined as a method of partitioning squared multiple correlations. The asymptotic joint distribution of all possible squared multiple correlations is derived. The asymptotic joint distribution of linear combinations of squared multiple correlations is obtained as a corollary. (Author/JKS)

Details the characteristics, uses, requirements, and workings of automated geographic information systems which maintain, analyze, and display computer-compatible maps. The future of such systems is also discussed. (FM)

A brief perspective on the analysis and use of aggregate data is presented in this overview. The remainder of this journal (TM 504 431 - 504 435) is devoted to the problems of aggregate data analysis. (JKS)

Fisher's exact probability test is severely conservative when interpreted with reference to conventional alpha levels due to the discontinuity of the sampling distribution for 2 x 2 tables. An adjustment of the cell frequencies is proposed that results in a correction for continuity with appropriate alpha protection and increased power. (Author)

The goodness-of-fit of correlational pattern hypotheses has traditionally been assessed either with a likelihood ratio statistic or with a quadratic form statistic. Several alternative statistics, based on the use of the Fisher r-to-z transform, are proposed and assessed in a Monte Carlo experiment. (Author/JKS)

Presents a case for conducting exploratory rather than confirmatory research in generating hypotheses as opposed to testing them. Exploratory data analysis, the National Assessment Design, and the analysis of assessment data are explained. (RAO)

Restriction in range is a measurement problem frequently encountered in research studies that utilize correlation coefficients. A FORTRAN program is described that can compute the estimated unrestricted correlation coefficient in either the explicit or implicit case. The user selects the appropriate formula to be employed from five that are…

The present study suggests that post-KR delay interval time or activity in the interval has little to do with learning on a self-paced positioning task, not ruling out that on ballistic tasks or more complex nonballistic tasks that a learner could make use of additional time or strategy. (MB)

Reviews methods for analyzing repeated measures data in addition to the conventional and corrected degrees of freedom univariate and multivariate solutions. Reviews the literature regarding recent procedures with respect to robustness, ability to handle missing data, and availability of software to obtain numerical results. (SLD)

Conducted a Monte Carlo study to compare various approaches to detecting differential item functioning (DIF) under a conceptualization of DIF that recognizes that observed data are a mixture of data from multiple latent populations or classes. Demonstrated the usefulness of the approach. (SLD)

Studied four different approaches for handling missing data for their capacity to mitigate against the effect of omitted responses on person location estimation. Results from a Monte Carlo study show that the hot-decking procedure performed best of the methods examined. (SLD)