Consistency in the title, problem, purpose, and research question improve the logic and transparency of research. When these components of research are aligned research design and planning are more coherent and research reports are more readable. This article reviews the process for checking for and improving consistency. Numerous examples of…

It is demonstrated here that standardized regression coefficients greater than one can legitimately occur. Furthermore, the relationship between the occurrence of such coefficients and the extent of multicollinearity present among the set of predictor variables in an equation is examined. Comments on the interpretation of these coefficients are…

The usual interpretation of suppressor effects in a multiple regression equation assumes that the correlations among variables have been generated by a particular structural model. How such a regression equation is interpreted is shown to be dependent on the structural model deemed appropriate. (Author/JKS)

Sociological and demographic research often uses variables computed as ratios. When the denominators are highly correlated, and the ratios are used in correlation or regression analysis, a statistical dependency is formed. This article investigates this problem, particularly with respect to partial correlation, multiple regression, and the…

A general approach to analysis of covariance structures is considered, in which the variances and covariances or correlations of the observed variables are directly expressed in terms of the parameters of interest. The statistical problems of identification, estimation and testing of such covariance or correlation structures are discussed.…

The inclusion of unmeasured variables in path analyses in educational research is discussed. The statistical basis for inclusion is presented, along with several examples. (JKS)