The axioms of a three-set Guttman simplex model are presented and the effects of relaxing the axioms for one of the three sets are examined. This model can be used to define longitudinal developmental scales. (NSF)

Subjected sequences of violent and nonviolent offenses to log-linear analyses of the stabilities and magnitudes of their transition probabilities. Results were seen to support previous research in which nonviolent criminality emerged as more fundamental than violence in potential for pattern development. (LLL)

A definition of test validity as the ratio of a covariance term to a variance term, analogous to the classical definition of test reliability, is proposed. When error scores on distinct tests are uncorrelated, the proposed definition coincides with the usual one, but it remains meaningful when error scores are correlated. (Author/BW)

This study investigated statistical methods for identifying errors in Bayesian networks (BN) with latent variables, as found in intelligent cognitive assessments. BN, commonly used in artificial intelligence systems, are promising mechanisms for scoring constructed-response examinations. The success of an intelligent assessment or tutoring system…

This paper describes and evaluates the use of decision theory as a tool for classifying examinees based on their item response patterns. Decision theory, developed by A. Wald (1947) and now widely used in engineering, agriculture, and computing, provides a simple model for the analysis of categorical data. Measurement decision theory requires only…

This paper explores the application of a mathematical optimization model to the problem of optimal enrollments. The general model, which can be applied to any institution, seeks to enroll the "best" class of students (as defined by the institution) subject to constraints imposed on the institution (e.g., capacity, quality). Topics…

This paper outlines two types of discriminant analysis, predictive discriminant analysis (PDA) and descriptive discriminant analysis (DDA). Important differences between PDA and DDA are introduced and discussed using a heuristic data set, specifically indicating the portions of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) output relevant…

A Monte Carlo simulation approach was taken to investigate the effect of sample size on a variety of latent growth models. A fully balanced experimental design was implemented, with samples drawn from multivariate normal populations specified to represent 12 unique growth models. The models varied factorially by crossing number of time points,…

A group of 21 students was tested under a time limit considerably shorter than should have been allowed. This report describes a tryout of a method for estimating the power'' scores that would have been obtained if the students had had enough time to finish. (Author/CB)

The proposed method has the advantage of being a rational procedure which reduces the larger set of variables'' down to a desired subset of predictor variables. The selected subset, then, can be coded for a full regression run if it contains multiple level category variables among those selected. (Author)

A classroom international bazaar gets children converting currencies and reinforcing math. (Editor)

The author argues for teaching applicable mathematics," a source of models of proposed and postulated states of affairs. (MM)

Examples are given of the usefulness of mathematics in several different fields. (MM)

Formula approaches to the determination of adequate library size, especially along lines developed by Clapp and Jordan, have in recent years become a significant element of the librarian's arsenal. In this article the possibilities of using statistical regression analysis to provide such an empirical analysis are reviewed. (6 references)…