When competence tests are administered, subjects frequently omit items. These missing responses pose a threat to correctly estimating the proficiency level. Newer model-based approaches aim to take nonignorable missing data processes into account by incorporating a latent missing propensity into the measurement model. Two assumptions are typically…

There are two primary challenges for instructors in offering a high-quality course at large scale. The first is scaling educational experiences to such a large audience. The second major challenge encountered is that of enabling adaptivity of the educational experience. This thesis addresses both major challenges in the way of high-quality…

In Ramsay curve item response theory (RC-IRT, Woods & Thissen, 2006) modeling, the shape of the latent trait distribution is estimated simultaneously with the item parameters. In its original implementation, RC-IRT is estimated via Bock and Aitkin's (1981) EM algorithm, which yields maximum marginal likelihood estimates. This method, however,…

This article describes the development of a ten-item scale to assess biology majors' self-efficacy towards the critical thinking and data analysis skills taught in an upper-division cell biology course. The original seven-item scale was expanded to include three additional items based on the results of item analysis. Evidence of reliability and…

Restricted multidimensional scaling models, allowing constraints on parameters, are extended to the case of asymmetric data. Examples of several models are provided, using journal citation data. Possible extensions of the models are considered. (Author/JKS)

The problem of the additive constant is the problem of making interval data approximate ratio data. This paper discusses some issues concerning the additive constant and presents a new formulation of and solution for the problem. (JKS)

Using the cluster generation procedure proposed by D. Steinley and R. Henson (2005), the author investigated the performance of K-means clustering under the following scenarios: (a) different probabilities of cluster overlap; (b) different types of cluster overlap; (c) varying samples sizes, clusters, and dimensions; (d) different multivariate…

A general method of scaling pairwise preference data is presented that may be used without prior knowledge about the nature of the relationship between an observation and the process giving rise to it. The method involves a monotone transformation and is similar to the B-SPLINE approach. (Author/JKS)

In studies involving judgments of similarity or dissimilarity, a variety of other variables may also be measured. In such cases, there are important advantages to joint analyses of the dissimilarity and collateral variables. A variety of models are described for relating these and algorithms are described for fitting these to data. (Author/JKS)

A scaling procedure has been developed for ordering binary parallelogram preference data. The procedure uses minimum variance of the item ranks averaged across persons as the optimization criterion. Two seriation strategies are employed. One is pairwise interchange. The second joins together the vector end points and breaks this circle between…

Contains a solution for the multidimensional scaling of pairwise choice when individuals are represented as dimensional weights. The analysis supplies an exact least squares solution and estimates of group unscalability parameters. (DG)

The degree to which Procrustean Individual Differences Scaling can be extended to related topics such as target analysis is discussed and a Monte Carlo study investigating the fit of the model under various conditions is presented. (JKS)

An individual differences additive model is discussed which represents individual differences in additivity by differential weighting or additive factors. A procedure for estimating model parameters for various data measurement characteristics is developed. The method is found to be very useful in describing certain types of developmental change…

Given "T" joint observations on "K" variables, it is frequently useful to consider the weighted average or scaled score. L-scaling is introduced as a technique for determining the weights. The technique is so named because of its resemblance to the Leontief matrix of mathematical economics. L-scaling is compared to two…

The functional determinants for a good speech outcome after a partial tongue resection and reconstruction are not well established. The purpose of the present study was to assess the protrusion, grooving and symmetry of the tongue during sustained speech sound production using three-dimensional ultrasound. The participants were twelve normal…