Situations for which the researcher should use component analysis versus common factor analysis are discussed. Topics addressed include key algebraic similarities and differences, theoretical and practical issues, the factor indeterminacy issue, latent versus manifest variables, and differences between exploratory and confirmatory analysis…

The empirical performance under null/alternative hypotheses of the likelihood ratio difference test (LRDT); Lagrange Multiplier test (evaluating the impact of model modification with a specific model); and Wald test (using a general model) were compared. The new tests for covariance structure analysis performed as well as did the LRDT. (RLC)

Simulation studies (N=4,000 simulees) examined the effect of misspecification of the latent ability distribution (theta) on the accuracy and efficiency of marginal maximum likelihood (MML) item parameter estimates and on MML statistics to test sufficiency and conditional independence. Results were compared to those of the conditional maximum…

This study compared the length of text in English Braille American Edition, the Nemeth code, and the computer braille code with the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC)--also known as Unified English Braille (UEB). The findings indicate that differences in the length of text are dependent on the type of material that is transcribed and the grade…

A comparative study was conducted to compare two approaches to engineering design curriculum between different schools (inter-school) and between two curricular approaches, "Project Lead the Way" (PLTW) and "Engineering Projects in Community Service" (EPIC High) (inter-curricular). The researchers collected curriculum…

The purposes of this study were to demonstrate a methodology for local development of slide-tape occupational information materials, and to determine whether this was a more effective means of conveying this information than printed or aural presentations. The results indicate the slide-tape mode was the most effective. (Author)

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY WAS TO COMPARE TWO TEACHING METHODS FOR DEVELOPING PRODUCTION TYPEWRITING ABILITY. THE TRADITIONAL, SPEED-EMPHASIS METHOD AND THE EXPERIMENTAL, PRODUCTION-EMPHASIS METHOD, WERE USED DURING 50-MINUTE PERIODS FOR 61 SESSIONS EACH SEMESTER WITH STUDENTS ENROLLED IN INTERMEDIATE TYPEWRITING AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY DURING…

THE ATTEMPT IS MADE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT ONE INSTRUCTOR CAN TEACH TWICE AS MANY STUDENTS AT THE SAME TIME, WITHOUT IMPAIRING THE QUALITY OF STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENT, BY MAKING EXTENSIVE USE OF THE MAGNETIC TAPE RECORDING LABORATORY IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH CLASSROOM ACTIVITY. THE OBERLIN COLLEGE STUDY CONTINUED FOR 4 YEARS. THROUGH USE OF A VARIETY…

Three known methodological approaches were investigated as to their within-test correlative support in the measurement of a phenomena called imagery. Based on these methodologies, repeated dichotomization of subjects into high and low visualizers was significantly consistent. Moreover, self-reported ratings of imagery vividness of prose were…

Describes and compares three approaches to task analysis--behaviorally-based, concept-based, and cognitive process-based--and provides four tentative recommendations for determining which approach is appropriate in a particular situation. Five flowcharts and fourteen references are included. (MBR)

Representative examples of task analysis procedures were examined for common components, methods, and terminology. Resulting generic components were categorized into the task analysis phases of task description and instructional analysis. The generalized model that is presented contains a consensus of procedures comprising educational and…

Two experiments indicate that underlining is no more effective than repetitive reading in facilitating review of material before testing. (MB)

The purpose of this paper is to examine critically the research to determine the lecture method's strengths, weaknesses, and uses; and to explore possible ways of improving it by altering the lecture itself and by combining it with other modes of instruction. (Author/SJL)

Recently, nonparametric methods have been proposed that provide a dimensionally based description of test structure for tests with dichotomous items. Because such methods are based on different notions of dimensionality than are assumed when using a psychometric model, it remains unclear whether these procedures might lead to a different…

In the context of reviewing an article for this journal (van der Linden & Sotaridona, this issue, pp. 283-304) the topic of unconditional and conditional hypothesis testing came under consideration. While this is hardly a new issue (consider, for example, arguments regarding the chi square vs. Fisher exact test of independence for a 2 x 2…