Languages are transmitted from person to person and generation to generation via a process of iterated learning: people learn a language from other people who once learned that language themselves. We analyze the consequences of iterated learning for learning algorithms based on the principles of Bayesian inference, assuming that learners compute…

The authors of the paper on growth mixture modelling (GMM) give a description of GMM and related techniques as applied to antisocial behaviour. They bring up the important issue of choice of model within the general framework of mixture modelling, especially the choice between latent class growth analysis (LCGA) techniques developed by Nagin and…

Monte Carlo methodologies are frequently applied to study the sampling distribution of the estimated proficiency level in adaptive testing. These methods eliminate real situational constraints. However, these Monte Carlo methodologies are not currently supported by the available software programs, and when these programs are available, their…

R. C. Blair (1991) developed tables of critical values for the generalized "t" and generalized rank sum tests that do not suffer inflation of Type I error. This study evaluated the critical values generated by Blair for situations in which sample size varies more than a maximum of a factor of two. The accuracy of the values was explored…

This paper explores the use of K. G. Joreskog's (1970) congeneric modeling approach to reliability using censored quantitative variables. Two Monte Carlo studies were conducted. The first explored the robustness of Normal Theory Generalized Least-Squares (NTGLS) estimates for a single-factor congeneric model across several sample sizes…

The purposes of this study are to compare alternative statistical techniques for analysis of the kinds of qualitative data commonly obtained in educational settings. Distinctions between chi-square based measures for contingency tables and proportional reduction of error measures of the strength of association are reviewed, and it is argued that…

Multivariate models for the triangular and duo-trio methods are described, and theoretical methods are compared to a Monte Carlo simulation. Implications are discussed for a new theory of multidimensional scaling which challenges the traditional assumption that proximity measures and perceptual distances are monotonically related. (Author/GDC)

Considers use of base rates (prevalences) to modify number of symptoms required to make a diagnosis and concludes that improvements in diagnostic accuracy of flexible diagnostic rules over Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fixed symptom-count cutting scores are too small to justify their use. (NRB)

Describes how the test statistic for nonparametric one-way multivariate analysis of variance can be obtained by submitting the data to a packaged computer program. Monte Carlo evidence indicates that the nonparametric approach is advantageous under certain violations of the assumptions of multinormality and homogeneity of covariance matrices.…

An experimental procedure involving interaction between subject and computer was used to determine an opitmum subset of stimuli for multidimensional scaling (MDS). A computer program evaluated this procedure compared with MDS based on (a) all pairs of stimuli, and (b) on one-third of the possible pairs. The new method was better. (Author/HG)

A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to determine the bootstrap correction formula yielding the most accurate confidence intervals for robust measures of association. Confidence intervals were generated via the percentile, adjusted, BC, and BC(a) bootstrap procedures and applied to the Winsorized, percentage bend, and Pearson correlation…

Differential item functioning (DIF) may be defined as an item that displays different statistical properties for different groups after the groups are matched on an ability measure. For instance, with binary data, DIF exists when there is a difference in the conditional probabilities of a correct response for two manifest groups. This paper…

Bales studied the flow of interaction in groups of various sizes, attempted to describe some of the basic group processes, and found that the initiation rates change so group members become hierarchially arranged according to these rates. This study focuses on the impact of the distribution of positive and negative rewards on the distribution…

Compared strategies for performing multiple comparisons with nonnormal data under various data conditions, including simultaneous violations of the assumptions of normality and variance homogeneity. Monte Carlo study results show the conditions under which different strategies are most appropriate. (SLD)

Studied planned incomplete data designs for the purpose of substantially reducing the amount of data required for multitrait-multimethod models. Simulations studied the effectiveness of Listwise Deletion, Pairwise Deletion, and the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. Results indicate that EM is generally precise and efficient. (SLD)