In the process of fitting a quantitative synthesis model, the assumption of homogeneous effect size variation is assessed via omnibus test statistics. Graphical representations of data on techniques for teaching composition skills are used to help determine the extent to which sample estimates deviate from modeled population estimates. (TJH)

Presents a model for the geometric analysis of the relationship between information queries and information systems retrieval, and demonstrates the utility of this analysis by its application to six conventional information retrieval similarity measures and a seventh spreading activation measure. (Author/CLB)

The development of a nonparametric K-sample test for equality of slopes using Puri's generalized L statistic is presented. The test is recommended when the assumptions underlying the parametric model are violated. This procedure replaces original data with either ranks (for data with heavy tails) or normal scores (for data with light tails).…

Mathematical observations are made about some continuous curves, called transitions, encountered in well-known experiences. The transition parabola, the transition spiral, and the sidestep maneuver are presented. (MNS)

The purpose of the present paper is to derive linear equating methods for the common item nonequivalent populations design from explicitly stated congeneric type test score models. The equating methods developed are compared with previously developed methods and applied to five professionally constructed examinations administered to approximately…

The purpose of this paper is to propose a general multicomponent latent trait model (LTM) for response processes. It combines the linear logistic LTM with the multicomponent LTM. Joint maximum likelihood estimators are presented for parameters of the general multicomponent LTM and an application to cognitive test items is described. (Author/BW)

It is shown that for equal parameters explicit formulas exist, facilitating the application of the Newton-Raphson procedure to estimate the parameters in the Rasch model and related models according to the conditional maximum likelihood principle. (Author/LMO)

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Young Men, this paper reveals that earnings below expectations induce a return to school. Appended are 12 references. (MLF)

Statistical methods are presented to facilitate a more complete analysis of results obtained when a scaling model is applied to data from two or more groups. Various kinds of scaling models are considered here in the multiple-group context. (Author/LMO)

Section pre-equating (SPE) equates a new test to an old test prior to the actual use of a new test by making extensive use of experimental sections of a testing instrument. SPE theory is extended to allow for practice effects on both the old and new tests. (Author/BS)

Introduces a new model of viewing documents based on citing-cited relationship between them. Using Bayes' decision theory, it is shown how source document may be indexed and weighted by relevant cited document features, corresponding to one pass relevance feedback Model 1 (probabilistic indexing) or Model 2 (probabilistic retrieval). (24…

An analytic procedure is presented for testing the homogeneity of unstandardized regression weight vectors when the vectors are correlated. The basic design involves repeated measurements on a dependent variable and a set of independent variables. The method is illustrated with a study of perceived leader behavior. (Author/BW)

The authors demonstrate how exponential smoothing can play a role in the identification of the intervention component of an interrupted time-series design model that is analogous to the role that the sample autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions serve in the identification of the noise portion of such a model. (Author/BW)

Unreliable profiles impose the difficulty that ordinal and interval relations among the individual's scores become uncertain or unstable. A profile reliability coefficient is derived to estimate the relative expected extent of this ordinal and interval "inversion" for any profile of K measures. (Author/DWH)

An example of mathematizing a situation and mathematical model-building by means of using a finite geometry is presented. (DT)