Multiple regression is commonly used in social and behavioral data analysis. In multiple regression contexts, researchers are very often interested in determining the "best" predictors in the analysis. This focus may stem from a need to identify those predictors that are supportive of theory. Alternatively, the researcher may simply be interested…

The accuracy was assessed of a method for estimating unrestricted univariate predictor means and variances from sample data for three populations in two personnel selection contexts. The first context was characterized by direct non-strict truncation and the second was characterized by direct strict truncation on the predictor. (TJH)

Researchers persist in using stepwise regression in spite of problems with this approach. As noted by B. Thompson (1995), three problems accompany the use of stepwise applications. The first is that computer packages may use incorrect degrees of freedom in their computations, resulting in a greater likelihood of obtaining a spurious statistical…

Methods for ordering and selecting variables for discriminant analysis in multiple group comparison or group prediction studies include: univariate Fs, stepwise analysis, learning discriminant function (LDF) variable correlations, communalities, LDF standardized coefficients, and weighted standardized coefficients. Five indices based on distance,…

The serious problems associated with the use of stepwise methods are well documented. Various authors have leveled scathing criticisms against the use of stepwise techniques, yet it is not uncommon to find these methods continually employed in educational and psychological research. The three main problems with stepwise techniques are: (1)…

The issues and some proposed solutions regarding Follow Through (FT) site variability are examined with a review of developments in FT evaluation. The role of adjusted site means with differences within sponsors and between sponsors and background characteristics is discussed to determine whether adjusted means are the preferred measures of model…

The accuracy and variability of 4 cross-validation procedures and 18 formulas were compared concerning their ability to estimate the population multiple correlation and the validity of the sample regression equation in the population. The investigation included two types of regression, multiple and stepwise; three sample sizes, N = 30, 60, 120;…

Arguments have recently been put forth that standard textbook procedures for determining the sample size necessary to achieve a certain level of power in a completely randomized design are incorrect when the dependent variable is fallible because they ignore measurement error. In fact, however, there are several correct procedures, one of which is…

A linear classification rule (used with equal covariance matrices) was contrasted with a quadratic rule (used with unequal covariance matrices) for accuracy of internal and external classification. The comparisons were made for seven situations which resulted from combining three data conditions (equal and unequal covariance matrices, minimal and…

Variance formulas of H. E. Daniels and M. G. Kendall (1947) are generalized to allow for the presence of ties and variance of the sample tau correlation. Applications of these generalized formulas are discussed and illustrated using data from a 1965 study of contraceptive use in 15 developing countries. (SLD)

This report investigates the selection of appropriate texts for C-Tests, a modified form of the cloze test, for assessing second language learning. The procedure for textbook readability first involved the administration of different texts to sample groups to determine the C-test difficulty of individual texts. At the same time, a variety of…

This paper was intended to promote a deeper understanding of a statistical method called balancing developed by National Assessment of Educational Progress. Problems in estimating main effects when populations are disproportionate, balancing solutions to these problems, methods equivalent to balancing, interpretation of balanced results, and some…

This paper outlines procedures used to derive variables from data in the National Survey of Postsecondary Faculty; these variables were then used to create measures not expressly included as items in that survey. The derived variables were used to examine faculty satisfaction in two contexts: first, the complexity of satisfaction, and second, the…

A linear regression model was used to select items from a pool of 700 arithmetic word problems to be used in a computer-assisted mathematics curriculum for elementary school students. The experimental procedure first involved a stepwise linear regression analysis of a student's performance over a set of 25 problems. The probability correct for…

Approaches to studying the relationships between stress and school organizational sources of stress were examined. Rather than sampling a number of schools and school average data indicating school health and stress levels in these schools, simple teacher samples and teacher-level analyses were used. For a sample of 1300 high school teachers in…