Schwartz and Martin ("Cogn Instr" 22:129-184, 2004) as well as Kapur ("Instr Sci", this issue, 2012) have found that students can be better prepared to learn about mathematical formulas when they try to invent them in small groups before receiving the canonical formula from a lesson. The purpose of the present research was to investigate how the…

The representation of multivariate data by icons is discussed. The factorial sun is suggested as superior to the commonly used snowflake or sun icons and as better representing the values of the different variables and their correlational structure. Two experiments with 60 college students demonstrate the factorial sun's superiority. (SLD)

Canonical correlation analysis is a multivariate statistical model which facilitates the study of interrelationships among multiple dependent variables and multiple independent variables. It identifies components of one set of variables that are most highly related linearly to the components of the other set of variables. The underlying logic of…

In this study, the reliability of the American College Testing (ACT) Program's "Survey of Academic Advising" (SAA) was examined using both univariate and multivariate generalizability theory approaches. The primary purpose of the study was to compare the results of three generalizability theory models (a random univariate model, a mixed…

Analyzes a sample of over 4,700 orders for library materials at the University of California, Berkeley, in terms of the probability that the material will arrive and the factors that determine arrival. Models to evaluate the book ordering process are presented, and variables that may affect arrival time are discussed. (six references) (Author/LRW)

A method for statistical analysis of semantic differential data in educational evaluation is discussed. Estimated scores for unobserved affective variables are obtained using the canonical factor regression method. This method overcomes previous prolems of bias and inefficiency in computing composite affective indices. In an application of the…

A multilevel variance component analysis from the pilot year of pretesting an instrument--the GENED--designed to present information about general education outcomes is presented, using data from about 11,000 college students. The analysis addresses the discriminant validity of the subtests and statistical issues in test construction. (SLD)