A detailed comparison of four computer programs for analyzing hierarchical linear models is presented. The programs are: VARCL; HLM; ML2; and GENMOD. All are compiled, stand-alone, and specialized. All use maximum likelihood (ML) estimation for decomposition of the variance into different parts; and in all cases, computing the ML estimates…

Presents an application of latent growth curve methodology to the analysis of longitudinal developmental change in alcohol consumption of 586 young adults, illustrating three approaches to the analysis of missing data: (1) multiple-sample structural equation modeling procedures; (2) raw maximum likelihood analyses; and (3) multiple modeling and…

This study assesses the accuracy of ASCAL, a microcomputer-based program for estimating item parameters for the three-parameter logistic model in item response theory. Item responses are generated from a three-parameter model, and item parameter estimates from ASCAL are compared to the generating item parameters and to estimates produced by…

The most useful method of item selection for making pass-fail decisions with a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) was studied. Medical technology students (n=86) took a computer adaptive test in which items were targeted to the ability of the examinee. The adaptive algorithm that selected items and estimated person measures used the Rasch model and…

The reliability of four branching algorithms commonly used in computer adaptive testing (CAT) was examined. These algorithms were: (1) maximum likelihood (MLE); (2) Bayesian; (3) modal Bayesian; and (4) crossover. Sixty-eight undergraduate college students were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions using the HyperCard-based CAT program,…