The fit of an item response model is typically conceptualized as whether a given model could have generated the data. We advocate for an alternative view of fit, "predictive fit", based on the model's ability to predict new data. We derive two predictive fit metrics for item response models that assess how well an estimated item response…

Although touted as beneficial to student learning, cultures of assessment have not been examined adequately using validated instruments. Using data collected from a stratified, random sample (N = 370) of U.S. institutional research and assessment directors, the models tested in this study provide empirical support for the value of using the…

A subset of a real data set was used to illustrate an ad hoc analysis with missing data on multiple response variables. This strategy was initiated with a complete-case analysis to determine some variables that may be deleted with no loss in effects of interest. (SLD)

Methods for ordering and selecting variables for discriminant analysis in multiple group comparison or group prediction studies include: univariate Fs, stepwise analysis, learning discriminant function (LDF) variable correlations, communalities, LDF standardized coefficients, and weighted standardized coefficients. Five indices based on distance,…

Two studies evaluated a technique for combining perceptions family members have of their families into measures of the family as a unit. Study 1 tested the reliability of an individually administered measure of family support and affiliation created to serve as a basis for aggregated family indices. Two existing family-assessment methods were…