Examines potential problems in the use of inferential statistics for single population proportions, differences between two population proportions, and quotients of two population proportions. Discusses hypothesis testing versus interval estimation. Emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate formula for the standard error and…

Within the context of the public forum of the political media interview, this study tests the hypothesis that women avoid answering questions less than men and examines the gendered use of avoidance strategies. Findings reveal a gender difference with women using significantly more preferred answers than men. (20 references) (Author/CK)

Using data from three experimental studies on British English, this study addresses whether, in dialect contact, there is a difference in the degree of convergence at different phonological levels. Data suggest that, in a contact situation, surface differences will be eradicated at the expense of phonologically complex differences. (29 references)…

This study tested three versions of the "abuse-to-abuser" hypothesis by comparing men with personal histories of sexual abuse and men without sexual abuse histories. There was a statistically non-significant trend for assaulted offenders to be more likely as adults to commit genital assaults on children. Implications for the abuse-to-abuser…

A multidimensionality-based differential item functioning (DIF) analysis paradigm is presented that unifies substantive and statistical DIF analysis approaches by linking both to a theoretically sound and mathematically rigorous multidimensional DIF conceptualization. This approach results in the potential for DIF analysis more closely integrated…

Important differences in the theory and practice of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are highlighted. This article suggests that each of these methodologies can be improved by utilizing key ingredients of the other. (Author/IAH)

An attempt is made to clarify the philosophical foundations of the debate over research methodology appropriate for psychology in particular and the utility of null hypothesis testing in general. The article also relates the debate to education and suggests that the debate is far from settled. (IAH)

Findings indicated a significant interaction between activity level and intensity of stimulation in predicting exploratory competence and total exploration among 52 toddlers of 15 months of age who were observed in their homes 6 times over a 4-week period. (RH)

The possibility that Spearman's Hypothesis is a statistical artifact is assessed in a review of six studies of deaf children's intelligence. Results clearly refute the proposal that the positive relationship between Black-White differences and "g" loadings is a statistical artifact and provide evidence of divergent validity for…

Five methods for testing the hypothesis of independence between two sets of variates were compared through simulation. Results indicate that two new methods, based on robust measures reflecting the linear association between two random variables, provide reasonably accurate control over Type I errors. Drawbacks to rank-based methods are discussed.…

Defines structural equation modeling as comprehensive, flexible approach to research design and data analysis. Provides conceptual overview of clinical research hypotheses that invite evaluation as structural equation models. Particular attention is devoted to hypotheses that are not adequately evaluated using traditional statistical models.…

Two studies tested whether first and second graders can differentiate between the concepts of hypothesis and evidence. Results indicate that young elementary school children distinguish between the two concepts. Most children demonstrated understanding of the goal of testing a hypothesis as opposed to the goal of producing a positive effect. (GLR)

How to measure growth in knowledge and ability over time in curriculum research is explored. Two broad classes of probabilistic models are considered, the Rasch model and latent class models with their associated generalizations. Potential of both classes for measuring categorical change is discussed. (SLD)

Reviews null hypothesis statistical significance testing (NHST) in its historical context and concludes that workable alternatives to NHST are available. Among suggested alternatives, effect magnitude measures, replication techniques, and meta-analytic techniques are discussed. (SLD)

Attempts to clarify the positions of T. Nix and J. Barnette on statistical significance testing, advocates the routine use of effect size, and encourages reporting results in simple terms. (SLD)