Goodness of fit indexes developed by R. P. McDonald (1989) and Satorra-Bentler scale correction methods (A. Satorra and P. M. Bentler, 1988) were studied. The Satorra-Bentler index is shown to have the least error under each distributional misspecification level when the model has correct structural specification. (SLD)

Three studies examined the ability of 8- and 9-year-olds and young adults to use sample monotonicity and diversity information according to the similarity-coverage model of category-based induction. Found that children's difficulty with this information was independent of category level, and may be based on preferences for other strategies…

Reviews attrition rates in bereavement research and demonstrates prevalence of low acceptance rates and lack of knowledge about bias due to self-selection. Reports results of empirical study which showed effect of depression on willingness to participate: widowers who were less depressed agreed to participate; widows who were more depressed were…

Provides a physical description of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), both in terms of their characteristic nature in the atmosphere and the processes which control their deposition. Contains a summary of the requirements for a full assessment of atmospheric SVOCs and their deposition. (LZ)

Although the same general research principles that guide other investigations should apply to research with the Rorschach Inkblot Method, the nature of the Rorschach as a relatively unstructured measure of personality functioning calls for special attention to selection of research participants, choice of variables, and data collection and…

Discusses sampling of circulation data as a technique for library media program management. Highlights include random and purposive sampling techniques; studies of circulation samples; factors affecting circulation patterns; guidelines for sampling circulation statistics over shorter time periods; and an example using statistics gathered from an…

Review of research investigating gender differences in computer-related behavior examines statistical and methodological flaws. Issues addressed include sample selection, sample size, scale development, scale quality, the use of univariate and multivariate analyses, regressional analysis, construct definition, construct testing, and the…

Item parameter estimation errors in test development are highlighted. The problem is illustrated with several simulated data sets, and a conservative solution is offered for addressing the problem in item response theory test development practice. Steps that reduce the problem of capitalizing on chance in item selections are suggested. (SLD)

Factor structure of the Reactions to Tests (RTT) scale measuring test anxiety was studied by testing a series of confirmatory factor models including a second-order structure with 636 college students. Results support a shorter 20-item RTT but also raise questions about the cross-validation of covariance models. (SLD)

A modification of a test of the equality of nonindependent alpha reliability coefficients is proposed. It avoids the limitation that the product of the number of test parts times the number of subjects be quite large. Monte Carlo studies indicate that this test can be used in comparing interrater reliabilities. (SLD)

A Monte Carlo study investigated the use of four cross-validation indices with confirmatory factor analysis models. Influences of sample size, loading size, and degree of model misspecification were studied. Larger sample sizes and better specified models result in better cross-validation results. (SLD)

This article describes a Monte Carlo study of 2 methods for treating incomplete nonnormal data. Skewed, kurtotic data sets conforming to a single structured model, but varying in sample size, percentage of data missing, and missing-data mechanism, were produced. An asymptotically distribution-free available-case (ADFAC) method and structured-model…

This paper examines the structure and determinants of presidential pay at nationally ranked baccalaureate institutions. This study departs from previous work on president pay in two ways. First, it includes more nationally ranked liberal arts institutions in its sample than previous studies did. Second, it incorporates two additional determinants…

This study investigates the stability of differential item functioning (DIF) in survey data. Surveys are conducted periodically, and their results are often reported by aggregating responses. Estimating the stability of DIF across subsets of a survey population can be an important indicator in determining the likelihood of DIF stability over…

The performance of methods for detecting publication bias in meta-analysis was evaluated using Monte Carlo methods. Four methods of bias detection were investigated: Begg's rank correlation, Egger's regression, funnel plot regression, and trim and fill. Five factors were included in the simulation design: number of primary studies in each…