Multilevel models are often used to evaluate hypotheses about relations among constructs when data are nested within clusters (Raudenbush & Bryk, 2002), although alternative approaches are available when analyzing nested data (Binder & Roberts, 2003; Sterba, 2009). The overarching goal of this article is to suggest when it is appropriate…

The purpose of this study was to use data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) to (a) conceptually identify and empirically establish student, family, and school constructs; (b) explore the degree to which the constructs can be measured equivalently across disability groups; and (c) examine latent differences (means,…

The use of a strategy for determining the comparable common factors in a set of data are illustrated in this report. Both orthogonal and oblique derived solutions were obtained for each of several different initial factor methods. The results were compared across the various solutions and three types of factors were determined: comparable common…

The results of an investigation into some special cases of the general "orthomax" formulation are presented. In particular, the effects of manipulating a parameter in this formulation on various aspects of factor solutions are identified through the use of four sets of data, varying considerably in size, and reliability and factorial complexity of…

Because most current literature regarding needs assessment data fails to discuss the meaning of the identified needs, two research questions are investigated: What valid and reliable constructs (components) can be derived from the data which reflect the interrelationships among teacher perceived skills needed for working with mildly handicapped…

The interrelationships among the three variables of intelligence, creativity, and language in a preschool, disadvantaged Negro sample were investigated. The two main hypotheses tested were: (1) The interrelationships among the three variables are lower than the interrelationships within each variable; and (2) A factor analysis indicates a factor…