The paper describes the small sample stability of least square estimates of variance components within the context of generalizability theory. Monte Carlo methods are used to generate data conforming to some selected multifacet generalizability designs to illustrate the sampling behavior of variance component estimates. (Author/CTM)

Offers suggestions for proper procedures for authors to use--and some pitfalls to avoid--when writing studies using factor analysis methods. Discusses distinctions among different methods of analysis, the adequacy of factor structure, and other notes of caution. Encourages authors to ensure that their research is statistically sound. (RJM)

The reliability of a gain is determined by the reliabilities of the components, the correlation between them, and their standard deviations. Reliability is not inherently low, but the components of gains in many investigations make low reliability likely and require caution in the use of gain scores. (SLD)

The critiques by L. Collins and L. Humphreys in this issue illustrate problems with the use of gain scores. Collins' examples show that familiar formulas for the reliability of differences do not reflect the precision of measures of change. Additional examples demonstrate flaws in the conventional approach to reliability. (SLD)

The Aiken Attitude to Mathematics Scale (L. Aiken, 1974, 1979) was administered to 430 adult students in a tertiary preparation program, and the factorial validity of the scale was investigated through exploratory factor analysis. Two factors were extracted with high reliabilities, as opposed to Aiken's four-factor structure. (SLD)

Discusses computer failures or destruction, explores hardware available to help save the intellectual content, and reviews backup strategies. Highlights include floppy disks; Zip drives; CD drives; DVD recorders; additional hard drives; Web storage options; testing backup systems for reliability; and commercial companies that offer restoring…

Studied the psychometric quality of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Early Childhood/Generalist assessment system through a FACETS analysis of tests from 596 candidates. In general, results indicate that the assessment system is functioning quite well, and overall, most candidate rating profiles show consistent performance…

Investigates the effects of consistency of candidates' performance across questions within an examination paper based on examiners' judgments of A level grade-worthiness for biology and sociology examinations. Finds that inconsistent performance produced lower judgments in biology, while very consistent performance was preferred in sociology.…

Results of the Self-Confidence Inventory, Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Self-Efficacy Rating Scale for 399 students indicated the subscales were reliable for both African-Americans and European-Americans. There were few racial but significant gender differences regarding Holland's occupational themes. The scales had different degrees of…

Examines the psychometric properties of the Hemingway Measure of Adolescent Connectedness among 320 Taiwanese junior high school students. Finds that connectedness measure subscales and composite scales demonstrated acceptable reliability and concurrent validity. Also finds, among other things, that girls report more connectedness to school than…

Discusses the distinct purposes of principal components analysis (PCA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), using two data sets as examples. Reviews the use of each technique in three major communication journals: "Communication Monographs,""Human Communication Research," and "Communication Research." Finds that the…

Discusses the use of wireless local area networks (WLANs) on college campuses. Highlights include traditional wired networks; cost, speed, and reliability; wireless networking standards; mobility; installation speed, simplicity, and flexibility; reduced cost of ownership; scalability; security issues; and a glossary of WLAN terms. (LRW)

Three studies investigated comfortable loudness levels with particular reference to their application to hearing aid gain prescriptions. The studies, involving 33 normal hearing adults and 77 adults with hearing impairments, suggest that comfortable loudness levels for continuous speech bands can be estimated rather accurately, quickly, and with…

A 2-facet measurement model is identified, and its coefficient of generalizability (CG) is examined. Three other multifaceted measurement models and their CGs are identified. An empirical investigation of all four procedures is conducted using data from a study of the psychopathology of 71 prison inmates. (SLD)

Discusses the development of a reading progress chart to display students' chronological age versus reading age over a period of time. Investigates the validity of this methods of recording individual students' progress. Finds evidence for the usefulness of the chart as a pictorial record of students' progress. (RS)