A new computing algorithm, MAPCLUS (Mathematical Programming Clustering), for fitting the Shephard-Arabie ADCLUS (Additive Clustering) model is presented. Details and benefits of the algorithm are discussed. (Author/JKS)

The technique of nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS) was applied to real item response data obtained from a multiple-choice achievement test of unknown dimensionality. The goal was to classify the 50 items into the various subtests from which they were drawn originally, the latter being unknown to the investigator. Issues addressed in the…

In a series of three independent studies that focused on the classic sources of curriculum (the learner, society, and subject matter), data were gathered that might bear on the choices facing the curriculum developer. Learner data tentatively revealed what characteristics of pictures affected the deployment of third-grade children's visual…

Describes multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis and the type of problems they can help solve. Cites major literature sources concerning their use. Reviews applications of these methods in rehabilitation research. Discusses possible advantages of nonmetric data-reduction techniques over metric approaches, such as factor analysis. (Author)

Circulated library books classified according to academic subject areas and student majors were used to determine relative subject similarities in 40 academic departments. Use of multidimensional scaling to compute similarities in undergraduate and graduate circulation and implications for library collection development and storage are described.…

A sociometric survey examined the informal faculty development network existing within the School of Nursing at East Tennessee State University. During the fall 1983 semester, all 25 nursing faculty members at the school were asked to complete a self-report instrument dealing with patterns of seeking and providing advice regarding their role as a…

Uses multidimensional scaling and clustering analysis of the co-citation patterns of 58 authors to explore the intellectual organization of population genetics and related specialties. Concludes that co-cited author mapping, with the author as the unit of analysis, is likely to complement studies of informal communication networks. (SR)

Critical review of previous techniques for the measurement of an individual's self-concept (SC) is a necessary prelude to the development of more adequate methodologies. This paper focuses on recent methodological innovations in the study of the self, namely, those derived from cognitive social psychology. A view of the self as a cognitive…

Applied qualitative methods to assess students' interest in science to responses of 2,118 German students in grades 5 through 7 to items measuring interest. Each method (additive cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling, and latent class analysis) is considered qualitative because it supports a focus on the structure of interest. Each approach…

This report contains accounts of studies, about scales to be used in the "A Study of Schooling" research project, undertaken to derive indices for constructs presumed to be measureable by composites of items. The report is introduced by a discussion on the rationale for selecting the research methodology used and an explanation of the…

Various methods used to assess the content of a test are reviewed, and a new procedure designed to improve on these methods is presented. The two tests considered are a professional licensure examination, the auditing section of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, and an educational achievement test, a nationally standardized…