This simulation study investigated the robustness of structural equation modeling to different degrees of nonnormality under 2 estimation methods, generalized least squares and maximum likelihood, and 4 sample sizes, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000. Each of the slight and severe nonnormality degrees was comprised of pure skewness, pure kurtosis, and both…

This article describes a study into the role of heuristic support in facilitating discovery learning through simulation-based learning. The study compares the use of two such learning environments in the physics domain of collisions. In one learning environment (implicit heuristics) heuristics are only used to provide the learner with guidance…

In the behavioral and social sciences, quasi-experimental and observational studies are used due to the difficulty achieving a random assignment. However, the estimation of differences between groups in observational studies frequently suffers from bias due to differences in the distributions of covariates. To estimate average treatment effects…

This article addresses misconceptions related to what makes an unfair game fair and describes from a personal perspective the process of discovering for oneself when a particular mathematical method works. (Contains 3 figures and 2 tables.)

This study focused on misspecifications in composing parcels to represent a latent construct. Two measurement design factors, item reliability and intercorrelations among parcels, defined 12 true unidimensional parcel models. Deviations from the true model were examined via a 2-facet measurement model in which items and parcels represented the 2…

By studying recipients of aid under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare scheme, the effect of time limits of welfare schemes on forward looking recipients is assessed using a discrete-choice dynamic programming framework model. The policy simulations for the preferred specification of utility reveal that two year time limits…

Both structural equation models and hierarchical linear models (HLMs) have been commonly used in multilevel analysis. This study utilized simulated data to investigate the power difference among 3 multilevel models: HLM, deviation structural equation models, and a hybrid approach of HLM and structural equation models. Two factors were examined:…

In this article, the author describes how the study of past and present prisoner of war (POW) situations can provide an excellent academic opportunity for students to evaluate virtues and values in the short and long run. Using case studies of past and present POW situations, students can categorize and analyze the historical nature of the…

In this article, the author discusses the importance of Homeland Security in community colleges as a counter terrorism solution. Homeland Security, a phrase born after September 11, 2001, has entered the nation's vocabulary and is now becoming part of the curriculum at hundreds of colleges and universities. No sector of higher education is…

For two random variables, X and Y, let D = X - Y, and let theta[subscript x], theta[subscript y], and theta[subscript d] be the corresponding medians. It is known that the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and its modern extensions do not test H[subscript o] : theta[subscript x] = theta[subscript y], but rather, they test H[subscript o] : theta[subscript…

This paper provides the results of a literature review on the use of practical, hands-on training experiences in evaluation course work and training programs. The review spans the years 1965-2003. I identified 18 articles that encompass four basic approaches for practical evaluation training: simulation, role-play, single course projects, and…

This article applies a weighted maximum likelihood (WML) latent trait estimator to the generalized partial credit model (GPCM). The relevant equations required to obtain the WML estimator using the Newton-Raphson algorithm are presented, and a simulation study is described that compared the properties of the WML estimator to those of the maximum…

The person-response function (PRF) relates the probability of an individual's correct answer to the difficulty of items measuring the same latent trait. Local deviations of the observed PRF from the expected PRF indicate person misfit. We discuss two new approaches to investigate person fit. The first approach uses kernel smoothing to estimate…

The authors describe instructional methods used to teach comprehensive and individualized case conceptualization and treatment planning in a graduate-level Advanced Counseling Procedures course. Students participate in a theory-driven, simulated multidisciplinary treatment team and meet with recruited client actors to bring "to life" the…

This article generalizes linear path analysis (PA) and simultaneous equations models (SiEM) to deal with mixed responses of different types in a recursive or triangular system. An efficient instrumental variable (IV) method for estimating the structural coefficients of a 2-equation partially recursive generalized path analysis (GPA) model and…