An application of Bayesian factor analysis for evaluation of scale reliability is discussed, which is developed within the framework of latent variable modeling. The method permits direct point and interval estimation of the reliability coefficient of multiple-component measuring instruments using Bayesian inference. The approach allows also point…

A Bayesian statistics-based approach is discussed that can be used for direct evaluation of the popular Cronbach's coefficient alpha as an internal consistency index for multiple-component measuring instruments, as well as for testing its identity to scale reliability. The method represents an application of confirmatory factor analysis within the…

Exploratory structural equation (ESEM) has received increased attention in the methodological literature as a promising tool for evaluating latent variable measurement models. It overcomes many of the limitations attached to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while capitalizing on the benefits of each. Given…

This paper is concerned with the process of selecting between the increasingly popular bi-factor model and the second-order factor model in measurement research. It is indicated that in certain settings widely used in empirical studies, the second-order model is nested in the bi-factor model and obtained from the latter after imposing appropriate…

The purpose of the present study was to provide the means to evaluate the "interval-scaling" assumption that governs the use of parametric statistics and continuous data estimators in self-report instruments that utilize Likert-type scaling. Using simulated and real data, the methodology to test for this important assumption is evaluated…

It is of critical importance to be aware of the historical discrimination embedded in the data and to consider a fairness measure to reduce bias throughout the predictive modeling pipeline. Given various notions of fairness defined in the literature, investigating the correlation and interaction among metrics is vital for addressing unfairness.…

The default risk, one of the main risk factors for bonds, should be measured and reflected in the bond yield. Particularly, in the case of financial companies that treat bonds as a major product, failure to properly identify and filter customers' workout status adversely affects returns. This study proposes a two-stage classification algorithm for…

Practitioners of adult education have a long history of teaching for social change. They may, however, be uncomfortable using quantitative methods to assess the impact of their learning activities, or they might lack access to statistical analysis software. Quantitative methods help the practitioner determine whether behavioral or attitudinal…

This research aims to explore both the individual and combined relationships between the use of GeoGebra and productive disposition with students' strategic competence. The use of GeoGebra involves teacher-led activities designed to assist students in managing and engaging with learning, serving as a tool to enhance mathematics learning outcomes.…

Researchers often study dynamic processes of latent variables in everyday life, such as the interplay of positive and negative affect over time. An intuitive approach is to first estimate the measurement model of the latent variables, then compute factor scores, and finally use these factor scores as observed scores in vector autoregressive…

A class of effect size indices are discussed that evaluate the degree to which two nested confirmatory factor analysis models differ from each other in terms of fit to a set of observed variables. These descriptive effect measures can be used to quantify the impact of parameter restrictions imposed in an initially considered model and are free…

Laboratory automation and data science are valuable new skills for all chemists, but most pedagogical activities involving automation to date have focused on upper-level coursework. Herein, we describe a combined computational and experimental lab suitable for a first-year undergraduate general chemistry course, in which these topics are…

This laboratory experiment was divided into four parts. In the first part, students evaluate previously published data and check their normality using histograms, Q-Q plots, the Shapiro-Wilk test, and boxplots. In the second part, two different groups were compared. First, data normality and homoskedasticity were checked by using the Shapiro-Wilk…

The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on analytical techniques for identifying and characterizing drug compounds. In this experiment, undergraduate pharmacy students explored the applications of near-infrared spectroscopy for pharmaceutical analysis and its potential for identifying patterns and relationships among pharmaceutical samples. In…

Businesses use facial recognition software, fingerprint scanning, and other biometric tools in the workplace and/or commercial establishments. Concerned with the collection, use, retention, and security of biometric data, and the impact of these practices, Illinois enacted the Biometric Information Privacy Act in 2008. We designed a project that…