A formula for the determinant of a partitioned matrix, possibly with singular submatrices, is derived and applied to some psychometric and numerical problems. (Author)

Using constraints with cluster analysis limits the possible number of clusters. This paper deals with clustering problems where grouping is constrained by a symmetric and reflexive relation. Two approaches, along with illustrations, are presented. (Author/JKS)

A general class of nonhierarchical clustering models and associated algorithms for fitting them are presented. These models generalize the Shepard-Arabie Additive clusters model. Two applications are given and extensions to three-way models, nonmetric analyses, and other model specifications are provided. (Author/JKS)

Rubin and Thayer recently presented equations to implement maximum likelihood estimation in factor analysis via the EM algorithm. It is argued here that the advantages of using the EM algorithm remain to be demonstrated. (Author/JKS)

The authors respond to a criticism of their earlier article concerning the use of the EM algorithm in maximum likelihood factor analysis. Also included are the comments made by the reviewers of this article. (JKS)

Item response curves for a set of binary responses are studied from a Bayesian viewpoint of estimating the item parameters. For the two-parameter logistic model with normally distributed ability, restricted bivariate beta priors are used to illustrate the computation of the posterior mode via the EM algorithm. (Author/LMO)

This article describes a Bayesian framework for estimation in item response models, with two-stage distributions on both item and examinee populations. Strategies for point and interval estimation are discussed, and a general procedure based on the EM algorithm is presented. (Author/LMO)

An extension to the partial credit model, the linear partial credit model, is considered under the assumption of a certain linear decomposition of the item x category parameters into basic parameters. A conditional maximum likelihood algorithm for estimating basic parameters is presented and illustrated with simulation and an empirical study. (SLD)

The suggestion that the IDIOSCAL model be fitted by the TUCKALS2 algorithm for three-way components analysis is examined. The claim that resulting coordinate matrices will be identical is supported when the data matrices are semidefinite. Counterexamples for indefinite matrices are also constructed. (SLD)