A comparison of measures of association for 2x2 data was carried out by computer analysis. For each of 1,539 tables, 14 measures of association were calculated and evaluated. A measure based on the odds-ratio (Chambers, 1982) was most accurate in capturing the rho underlying a majority of the tables. (Author/BW)

Develops a heuristic device called the Formative Evaluation Outcomes Matrix that systematizes the data from three commonly used formative evaluation instruments for the purpose of diagnosing faults in products of the design process. (Author)

A shortcut formula for the computation of "coefficients of invariance" in the comparison of factor structures is presented. A limitation of the coefficient of invariance is pointed out in the case of comparing two first principal components. (NE)

Shows how a matrix, developed for identifying various strategies of curriculum development, can provide a basis for making a policy analysis of alternative strategies. (RM)

The triangular decomposition method is suggested as a general technique for obtaining the various measures of an ill-conditioned matrix. The advantages of using triangular decomposition are computing nicety, cost, and parsimony. (Author/PN)

Recent work (EJ 208 813) showing that generalized eigenvalue problems in which both matrices are singular can be solved by reducing them to similar problems of smaller order is discussed. Possible extensions of the work are indicated. (Author/JKS)

The first eigenvalue of a correlation matrix indicates the maximum amount of the variance of the variables which can be accounted for with a linear model by a single underlying factor. The first eigenvalue measures the primary cluster in the matrix, its number of variables and average correlation. (Author/RL)

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)

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)

A generalization of the Procrustes problem (concerning solutions for least squares problems) in which the errors are weighted from the right, left, or both is provided. Mathematical derivations and an illustration are provided. (Author/JKS)

An iterative process is proposed for obtaining an orthogonal simple structure solution. At each iteration, a target matrix is constructed such that the relative contributions of the target majorize the original ones, factor by factor. The convergence of the procedure is proven, and the algorithm is illustrated. (SLD)

Describes a technique for obtaining item parameters of the Rasch model, a technique in which the item parameters are extracted from the eigenvectors of a matrix derived from comparisons between pairs of items. Describes advantages of this technique, which can be applied to both dichotomous and polytomous data. (SLD)

Describes basic concepts in the field of general systems theory (GST) and identifies commonalities that exist between GST and instructional systems design (ISD). Models and diagrams that depict system elements in ISD are presented, and two matrices that show how GST has been used in ISD literature are included. (11 references) (LRW)

The structure of information matrices in latent-variable models is explicated, and the degree to which missing information can be recovered by exploring collateral variables for respondents is characterized. Results are illustrated in the context of item-response-theory models, and practical implications are discussed. (SLD)