The analysis of contingency tables via set correlation allows the assessment of subhypotheses involving contrast functions of the categories of the nominal scales. The robustness of such methods with regard to Type I error and statistical power was studied via a Monte Carlo experiment. (TJH)

Performances of the Mantel Haenszel odds-ratio estimator and chi-square significance test were investigated using simulated data for 500 reference group and 500 focal group examinees. Results demonstrate the importance of using both the odds-ratio and significance tests in interpreting the presence or absence of differential item functioning. (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…

Results of a Monte Carlo study with 4 populations (3,072 conditions) indicate that when distributions depart markedly from normality, nonparametric analysis and parametric analysis of transformed data show superior power to parametric analysis of raw data. Under conditions studied, parametric analysis of transformed data is more powerful than…

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)

Significance tests are often used inappropriately in counseling research. In addition to comments on the significance test controversy (Vacha-Haase and Nilsson, this issue), a wider historical context and personal experiences are provided. The controversy is discussed, and seven recommendations for using significance tests are included. (EMK)

Describes the utility of effect size reporting and reports on a study that reviewed articles in three quarterly gifted journals and 40 articles in journals not directly associated with gifted education, published over the last five years. Effect sizes were generally not included in research articles, with results consistent across journals.…

Introduces the three subsequent articles from this special section, which extend the discussion of future prospects for progress in the reporting and interpreting of effect sizes by researchers. The authors of these pieces represent diverse views. (SLD)

The aim of this essay is to build a bridge between two intersecting areas of research, social indicators research on the one hand and health-related quality of life research on the other. The first substantive section of the paper introduces key concepts and definitions in the social indicators research tradition, e.g., social indicators,…

Underpowered studies persist in the psychological literature. This article examines reasons for their persistence and the effects on efforts to create a cumulative science. The "curse of multiplicities" plays a central role in the presentation. Most psychologists realize that testing multiple hypotheses in a single study affects the Type I error…

With great interest the author read the May 2002 editorial in the "Journal for Research in Mathematics Education (JRME)" (King, 2002) regarding changes to the 5th edition of the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association" (APA, 2001). Of special note to him, and of great import to the field of mathematics education research, are…

This study attempted to assess whether family demographic characteristics and child aggressive behavior are equal to or better than child self-reported depressive symptoms in predicting suicidal behavior. Participants were a community population of African Americans first recruited at age 6 and followed periodically through age 19?20. Measures…

In this research, we examine the design, construction, and implementation of a dynamic, easy to use, feedback mechanism for social software. The tool was integrated into an existing university's online learning community (OLC). In line with constructivist learning models and practical information systems (IS) design, the feedback system provides…

An implicit goal of Congress, the Department of Defense, and the armed services is that diversity in the armed services should approximate diversity in the general population. A key aspect of that diversity is the representation of Hispanics. Although polls of Hispanic youth show a strong propensity to serve in the military, Hispanics are…

Since the mid-1960s, when illicit drug use burgeoned in the normal youth population, substance use by American young people has proven to be a rapidly changing phenomenon. Smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use are leading causes of morbidity and mortality, both during adolescence as well as later in life. How vigorously the nation responds to…