DIMPACK Version 1.0 for assessing test dimensionality based on a nonparametric conditional covariance approach is reviewed. This software was originally distributed by Assessment Systems Corporation and now can be freely accessed online. The software consists of Windows-based interfaces of three components: DIMTEST, DETECT, and CCPROX/HAC, which…

A substantial literature documents the benefits of early childhood education and formal preschool experiences on children's school readiness, with low-income and otherwise disadvantaged children benefitting the most from these programs. However, these academic benefits often fade out as children age, and most disappear by the end of kindergarten…

An experiment compared asynchronous versus synchronous instruction in an online quantitative course. Mann-Whitney U-tests, correlation, analysis of variance, t tests, and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were utilized to test the hypothesis that more high-quality online experiential learning interactions would increase grade.…

Methods for the analysis of within-subjects effects in multivariate groups by trials repeated measures designs are considered in the presence of heteroscedasticity of the group variance-covariance matrices and multivariate nonnormality. Under a doubly multivariate model approach to hypothesis testing, within-subjects main and interaction effect…

Means of identifying sources of rejection of hypotheses regarding linear multivariate statistical models are discussed. Problems with the use of a global test using Roy's largest root criterion and means of solving them are presented, along with a practical application of the techniques. (TJH)

Describes the implementation of a standard Pearson chi-square statistic to test the null hypothesis of bivariate normality for latent variables in the Type I censored model. Assesses the behavior of the statistic through simulation and illustrates the statistic through an empirical example. Discusses limitations of the test. (Author/SLD)

Two Monte Carlo studies were conducted to examine the sensitivity of goodness of fit indexes to lack of measurement invariance at 3 commonly tested levels: factor loadings, intercepts, and residual variances. Standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) appears to be more sensitive to lack of invariance in factor loadings than in intercepts or…

Type I error rates for the Johansen test were estimated using simulated data for a variety of conditions. Results indicate that Type I error rates for the Johansen test depend heavily on the number of groups and the ratio of the smallest sample size to the number of dependent variables. Sample size guidelines are presented. (SLD)

This article presents a didactic discussion on the role of asymptotically independent test statistics and separable hypotheses as they pertain to issues of specification error, power, and model misspecification in the covariance structure modeling framework. A small population study supports the major findings. (SLD)

MAXCOV-HITMAX was invented by Paul Meehl as a tool for the detection of latent taxonic structures (i.e., structures in which the latent variable, u, is not continuously, but rather Bernoulli, distributed). It involves the examination of the shape of a certain conditional covariance function and is based on Meehl's claims that (R1) Taxonic…

Multivariate and univariate analysis of variance methods (MANOVA and ANOVA, respectively) are compared for their relative value in educational research. The favoritism shown multivariate techniques is questioned. Criteria for the selection of the appropriate technique are outlined. The relationships among research hypotheses, statistical…

New multivariate permutation tests are proposed that may be effectively substituted for Hotelling's T-Square test in situations commonly arising in educational research. The new tests: (1) are distribution-free; (2) provide tests of directional as well as non-directional hypotheses; (3) may be tailored for sensitivity to specific treatment…

A strategy for evaluating/modifying covariance structure models (CSMs) is presented. The approach uses recent developments in estimation under nonstandard conditions and unified asymptotic theory related to hypothesis testing, and it determines the extent of sample size sensitivity and specification error effects by relying on existing statistical…

Multivariate permutation tests are described, and some are suggested as substitutions for Hotelling's one-sample T2 test in common situations in behavioral science research. A Monte Carlo study shows advantages of these tests when the T2 test fails or is suspect. (SLD)

A growing controversy surrounds the strict interpretation of statistical significance tests in social research. Statistical significance tests fail in particular to provide estimates for the stability of research results. Methods that do provide such estimates are known as invariance or cross-validation procedures. Invariance analysis is largely…