Three procedures that help to determine the degree of confidence we can place in any raw score are discussed: computing the standard error of measurement, computing the estimated true score, and constructing confidence intervals. These three procedures are easy to use and require only elementary mathematical skills. (Author/CL)

Examines the issue of validity and values in the scientific method of research, and suggests that researchers must continuously question the premises upon which their research is based. (SB)

A test statistic is introduced which allows one to test the hypothesis of agreement of several judges on the ranking of items within each of two groups and between the two groups. (Editor)

This study presents the results of statistical use in the field of communication as evidenced by the research published in the last two years of the Journal of Communication. (Author/RK)

In the present article it is argued that the Least Squares Simplex Data Matrix Solution does not deal adequately with difficulty factors inasmuch as the theoretical foundation is insufficient. (Author/CB)

Report describes and makes a preliminary assessment of a data simulation computer program at the University of Michigan. (MF)

Formulae and graphs are presented allowing computation of the variances of three prototypical distributions over a finite number of categories. The uses of the variances of the maximum variance distribution, the uniform distribution and a unimodal triangular distribution to make inferences about distribution shapes are shown in several examples.…

Social science researchers tend to analyze two dimensional frequency tables using Pearson's Chi-square test, which can be improved upon if the dependent variable represents an ordered qualitative characteristic. An improved modification by the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance on ranks is shown for a planned and post hoc analysis. (Author/CM)

A simple, usefully accurate approximation of the standard error of measurement is proposed for use by classroom teachers. An empirical comparison with Lord's approximation indicated that, though not as easy to calculate as Lord's, this approximation is more practical because it is useful at any point in the score distribution. (BW)

The sensitivity and simplicity of Wald's sequential analysis test in monitoring a preventive health care program are discussed. Data exemplifying the usefulness and expedience of employing sequential methods are presented. (Author/GK)