Advanced modeling of item response data through the item response theory (IRT) or item factor analysis frameworks is becoming increasingly popular. In the social and behavioral sciences, the underlying structure of tests/assessments is often multidimensional (i.e., more than 1 latent variable/construct is represented in the items). This review…

This article presents a review on "Defining deviance: sex, science, and delinquent girls, 1890-1960," by Michael A. Rembis. This is the first book by Michael A. Rembis, an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Disability Studies at the University of Buffalo. Drawing on thousands of case files from the Illinois State Training School in…

This article reviews a recent book arguing how a concept known as parental alienation syndrome--now parental alienation disorder--should be included in official psychiatric/psychological and medical classification diagnostic manuals. Anecdotal cases and opinion are presented as research and scientific evidence, and stories are presented as…

Reviews the history and development of the Dewey Decimal Classification, including the recent purchase of rights by OCLC and the production of a digitalized version. The contents and organization of the most recent edition are described and evaluated. (one reference) (CLB)

Describes the Dewey Online Retrieval System (DORS), which was developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to experiment with classification-based search strategies in online catalogs. Classification structures in automated information retrieval are discussed; and specifications for a classification retrieval interface are…

This analysis of the U.S. Department of Labor's "Dictionary of Occupational Titles" as a literary and cultural document, looks at its (1) history; (2) job classification scheme; (3) egalitarianism; (4) cultural and literary value; and (5) humor. Five references are listed. (MES)

Describes the development of Usenet, the User's Network, a computer network that distributes group discussions (newsgroups) on different topics. Network News software is described, the rapid growth in popularity and heavy network traffic is discussed, and a hierarchical classification scheme to limit the amount of information for users is…

Discusses the inappropriate racial categorizations of minorities that have routinely infected evaluations and social research. By adhering to principles of democracy and including minorities as participants in dialogue, evaluators can avoid such damaging effects in their work. (Author/SLD)

The criticisms of the reading literacy study conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) are addressed. It is argued that the IEA literacy survey met requirements for valid international comparisons, and that its rank order of nations is fair. (SLD)

Described is an interactive database of chemical information called "KC? Discoverer: Exploring the Periodic Table." An overview of the program and details of specific functions are given. The uses of this program in teaching undergraduate inorganic chemistry are stressed. (CW)

Described are two reviews of a computer software package: "The Periodic Table Stack," a Hypercard stack that operates on a database of information about the properties and reactions of the elements and designed to help users of Macintosh computers access data found on "KC? Discoverer." Discussed are features of the program and…

Reviews three books: "The Schoolhome: Rethinking Schools for Changing Families," by Jane Martin; "Godly Play," by Jerome Berryman; and "Five Kingdoms: An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth," by Margulis and Schwartz. (TJQ)

Reviews six interactive videodisc programs designed to meet the challenges of special education. Videodiscs for deaf or hearing impaired learners, mentally retarded students, and special education support personnel are described, and background information on special education and handicap classifications is provided. (19 references) (Author/LRW)

Describes picture books that can provide a foundation for the development of young children's understanding of mathematics. Includes specific activities for teachers to use along with picture books to enhance children's understanding of the concepts of classification, seriation, number, spatial relations, and time. (MDM)

The Singer-Loomis Inventory of Personality (SLIP) was developed by two Jungian analysts to allow examination of personality from the perspective of Jung's typology and to solve problems perceived with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, based on Jungian dichotomies. The SLIP is designed to clarify and describe the user's personality based on the…