Describes relatively new statistical method, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), for estimating linear equations that explain outcomes for members of groups as a function of characteristics of groups and characteristics of members. Illustrates theory, practice, and interpretation of HLM in school effects studies. Discusses other education…

Explains that an initial criterion to determine severe discrepancies and relative strengths and weaknesses is significant difference between regressed standard scores. Presents tables as convenient method to determine magnitude of discrepancy required for significance at common reliability and intercorrelation values. Shows prevalences of…

Describes two strategies for assessing measures of practical fit and the goodness of fit from structural equation models. Focuses on linear structural relations (LISREL), chi-square fit index, practical fit indices, and hierarchical analyses. Includes empirical example of hierarchical model procedures used with practical and statistical indices to…

Notes that family researchers can examine extent of self-selection bias in samples by using range of "plausibly correlated characteristics" such as marriage and divorce public records. Provides extensive case example of analyses and discusses compensation techniques of weighting and hazard rate models. (Author/NB)

Discusses research in counseling and psychotherapy, analyzes and critiques the most popularly used meta-models, i.e. those that guide and delimit applied theory, and research. Develops and advocates the use of a systems paradigm for future research. (RC)

Develops random-effects probit model for case in which outcome of interest is series of correlated binary responses, obtained as product of longitudinal response process where individual is repeatedly classified on binary outcome variable or in multilevel or clustered problems in which individuals within groups are considered to share…

Examines methodological problems associated with analysis of event data by comparing five alternative statistical specifications: multiple regression, discriminant analysis, logistic regression, tobit regression, and event history analysis. Uses each procedure to estimate risk factors for out-of-home placement among children in families that…

The development of the between-class, within-class analysis has facilitated a more refined analysis of classroom processes and influences: those which affect a class as a whole, a student within a class, or an individual student independent of context. However, a problem arises in using a between-class, within-class analysis to infer a particular…

Describes the loglinear model, and applies it to categorical data cross-tabulated on four dimensions. Defines contrasts similar to those of the analysis of variance and describes post hoc and planned comparison strategies. Illustrates hypothesis testing and model building for categorical data, providing guidelines for performing an analysis on…

A statistical relationship between student affect and student achievement is routinely observed--students who like a particular subject also tend to do well in that subject. Theory suggests that the underlying causality is a mutual influence relationship in which affect influences, and is influenced by, achievement. Published analyses, however,…

This paper traces the course of the consequences of viewing test responses as simply providing dichotomous data concerning ordinal relations. It begins by proposing that the score matrix is best considered to be items-plus-persons by items-plus-persons, and recording the wrongs as well as the rights. (Author/CTM)

Presents a method to improve client classification. Reviews clinical prediction models and statistical prediction issues. In classifying clients for remedial services, utility of the prediction scheme depends on gains accrued by its use over program base rates and relative cost. This assumes that differential treatments parallel diagnostic…

To establish a sophisticated planning mechanism that will translate readily to affordable tactical steps, university planners must have a good understanding of the cost structure of individual academic and administrative departments and of the efficiency and effectiveness of the staffs of those departments. (MLW)

The restrictions on item difficulties that must be met when binomial models are applied to domain-referenced testing are examined. Both a deterministic and a stochastic conception of item responses are discussed with respect to difficulty and Guttman-type items. (Author/BH)

Demonstrates how Rasch models can be used to study differences in item salience within and across time points, and that even if a test does not fulfill assumptions of the Rasch model, it can be used to obtain information on item functioning across participants and over time. Illustrates method using longitudinal data from Baltimore Prevention…