Disagreements have arisen about the robustness of the t test in normal populations with unequal variances. Employing liberal but objective standards for assessing robustness, it is shown that the t test is not always robust to the assumption of equal population variances even when sample sizes are equal. (Author/JKS)

Both the binomial and beta-binomial models are applied to various problems occurring in mental test theory. The paper reviews and critiques these models. The emphasis is on the extensions of the models that have been proposed in recent years, and that might not be familiar to many educators. (Author)

A family of models for the representation and assessment of individual differences for multivariate data called PINDIS (Procrustean Individual Differences Scaling) is presented. PINDIS sheds new light on the interpretability and applicability of a variety of multidimensional scaling models. (Author/JKS)

A rating response mechanism for ordered categories such as in Likert scaling, which is related to the traditional threshold formulation but distinctively different from it, is formulated. The mechanism is based on the Rasch model. Two parameters in addition to the usual Rasch parameters are identified and discussed. (Author/JKS)

Subjects decided whether sentences as "The treaty passed" were "true" or "false," given number of votes cast for the bill and criterion that determined its status. An additive-stages model was applied to verification times from the present and prior studies, and was used to describe certain markedness and congruity…

In an attempt to resolve conflicting conclusions arising from an investigation of the validity of the claimed psychological properties of Bloom's taxonomy, the LISREL method was applied to the data of Kropp and Stoker. The simplex assumption was supported when the knowledge category is deleted from the taxonomy. (Author/RL)

A single-step maximum likelihood estimation procedure is developed for multidimensional scaling of dissimilarity data measured on rating scales. The procedure can fit the euclidian distance model to the data under various assumptions about category widths and under two distributional assumptions. Practical uses of the method are demonstrated.…

A nonparametric test of dispersion with paired replicates data is described which involves jackknifing logarithmic transformations of the ratio of variance estimates for the pre- and posttreatment populations. Results from a simulation show that the test performs well under the null hypothesis and has good power properties. (Author/JKS)

Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of a solution of the so-called "unconditional" and the "conditional" maximum-likelihood estimation equations in the dichotomous Rasch model are given. It is shown how to apply the results in practical uses of the Rasch model. (Author/JKS)

In the case of dichotomous decisions, the total set of all assumptions/specifications for which the decision would have been the same is the robustness region. Inspection of this (data-dependent) region is a form of sensitivity analysis which may lead to improved decision making. (Author/BW)

Simple Markov models are fitted to a small sample of longitudinal categorical data of teachers' ratings of children's classroom behavior. Although the data consist only of observations at five occasions, it was possible, after dividing the data into two groups, to fit plausible models in continuous time. (Author/BW)

Applies the methods used in the analysis of input-output tables to the study of interdependence among the different subdivisions of organizations. (Author/IRT)

Develops a goal programing model for achieving racial balance in segregated public schools. The model is illustrated and offered as an improvement on linear programing, a model previously applied that allows only a single objective function and requires more variables and constraints than goal programing does. (Author/IRT)

The population ecology view that variation in sets or clusters of organizations should be isomorphic with variation in cluster environment was used to explain structural variation among hospital clusters. Cluster differentiation seems to be casually affected by range of services, average hospital size, and the periodic closing of hospitals.…

Argues that the traditional district power equalization (DPE) grant formula achieves horizontal equity, that the formula must be modified when the measure of fiscal capacity differs from the legal tax base, and that the inclusion of a tax exporting variable leads to the breakdown of horizontal equity. (Author/IRT)