Several robust absolute deviation statistics have been developed recently. Two such correlation coefficients are developed and discussed, one for ranked data and another for interval level data. The standard error and range of the coefficients are given. The algebraic relationship between the coefficients and three widely used correlation…

A necessary and sufficient condition for a perfectly homogeneous test in the sense of Loevinger is stated and proved. Using this result, a formula for computing the maximum possible KR-20 when the test variance is assumed fixed is presented. A new index of test homogeneity is also presented and discussed. (Author/BW)

The Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation Behavior (FIRO-B) scale is a measure of inclusion, control and affection. Examination of the component algorithms which yield its global compatibility score suggest an inconsistent use of absolute values and real numbers. A modification of Schutz's original mathematical schema is presented.…

Two lower bounds to reliability in classical test theory, Guttman's lamda and Cronbach's alpha, are shown to be terms of an infinite series of lower bounds. All terms of this series are equal to reliability if and only if the test contains items which are tau-equivalent. (Author/JKS)

Presents a method based on a constrained optimization technique that determines the time of removal of scientific periodicals from the shelf of a library. A geometrical interpretation of the theoretical result is given, and a numerical example illustrates how the technique is applicable to real bibliographic data. (FM)

Brennan's B statistic is a generalized upper-lower discrimination index which was first published in 1972: Peirce earlier introduced a statistic on the relation between a predictor and an outcome which has the same structure as Brennan's B. (Author/CP)

An alternative derivation was given of Gaylord's formulas showing the relationships among the average item intercorrelation, the average item-test correlation, and test reliability. Certain parallels were also noted in analysis of variance and principal component analysis. (Author)

Reliability maximizing weights are related to theoretically specified true score scaling weights to show a constant relationship that is invariant under separate linear tranformations on each variable in the system. Test theoretic relations should be derived for the most general model available and not for unnecessarily constrained models.…

Describes an information retrieval, visualization, and manipulation model which offers the user multiple ways to exploit the retrieval set, based on weighted query terms, via an interactive interface. Outlines the mathematical model and describes an information retrieval application built on the model to search structured and full-text files.…

Discusses algorithmic problem solving in computer science education, particularly algorithmic insight, and focuses on the relevance and effectiveness of the heuristic simplifying constraints which involves simplification of a given problem to a problem in which constraints are imposed on the input data. Presents three examples involving…

This paper presents Lewis Carroll's formula for mentally calculating the day of the week of a given date. The paper concludes that such formulas are too complex for individuals of low intelligence to learn by themselves, and thus "idiots savants" who perform such calendar calculations must be using other systems. (JDD)

Proposes a new lock primitive called ordered sharing that allows increased concurrency in database systems. Reliability and performance issues of the proposed protocol are addressed, a simulation study that demonstrates that ordered sharing results in improved performance in database systems is described; and use in several representative database…

Proposes and explains a new mechanism for controlling the access requests in information protection systems that is based on Newton's interpolating polynomial. Access control matrices are discussed; single-key-lock systems are described; relevant algorithms are explained; and an example of the new mechanism is included. (10 references) (LRW)

Addresses objections to the validity of assuming a Poisson loglinear model as the generating process for citations from one journal into another. Fluctuations in citation rate, serial dependence on citations, impossibility of distinguishing between rate changes and serial dependence, evidence for changes in Poisson rate, and transitivity…