To modify least squares estimators so that outliers arising from heavy-tailed distributions will have less influence, a robust coefficient of kurtosis, which avoids the quartic effect, is described. Aspects of Pearson's and Fisher's kurtosis coefficients are compared in the procedure. (Author/CM)

The relationship between two methods for detecting group effects in nonexperimental data--covariance analysis and contextual analysis--is examined. The examination shows that contextual effects are a special case of the group effect obtained in covariance analysis. (Author/JKS)

Reviews existing research on the appropriate specification and estimation of models of cognitive achievement, offers an original two-equation model of cognitive achievement for individual students, and explores the relationship between instructional quality, teacher's salaries, and academic achievement. (Author/DB)

Parameter recovery in the graded-response model was investigated using the MULTILOG computer program under default conditions. Results from 36 simulated data sets suggest that at least 500 examinees are needed to achieve adequate calibration under the graded model. Sample size had little influence on the true ability parameter's recovery. (SLD)

Responds to critique by Dometrius and Sigelman of Becker and Williams' model of ideal or random flow of people from preselection pool of applicants to postselection work force. Shows that critics' two claims are wrong, because they did not use relative measures of female representation in work force, and they base their modification of his model…

Presents situations in which researchers can use the general linear model to uncover reasons for discrepant effect-size results of meta-analysis of similar studies. Situations include similarly labeled treatments or participants differing in important ways, treatment effectiveness varying by subject aptitude or situational variables, research…

The attempt by D.Edwards and C. B. Cummings to adjust state mean Scholastic Aptitude Test Scores for differential participation rates with a "fuzzy truncation model" satisfies three criteria the authors previously defined but falls short for two. Omission of sensitivity studies mars the otherwise exemplary study. (SLD)

Over the 17 years since a previous review by 2 of the present authors, the field of clinical neuropsychology has made advances in techniques, theoretical constructs, and statistical models. With careful attention to methodological issues and underlying concepts and hypotheses, the field will continue to thrive. (SLD)

Considers counterintuitive propositions about using point elasticities to estimate quantity changes in response to price changes. Suggests that elasticity increases with price along a linear demand curve, but falling quantity demand offsets it. Argues that point elasticity with finite percentage change in price only approximates percentage change…

This study empirically examined the behaviors of item and person statistics derived from item response theory and classical test theory, focusing on item and person statistics and using a large-scale statewide assessment. Findings show that the person and item statistics from the two measurement frameworks are quite comparable. (SLD)

This article describes ethnographic decision tree modeling (EDTM; C. H. Gladwin, 1989) as a mixed method design appropriate for counseling psychology research. EDTM is introduced and located within a postpositivist research paradigm. Decision theory that informs EDTM is reviewed, and the 2 phases of EDTM are highlighted. The 1st phase, model…

Most reading time studies using naturalistic texts yield data sets characterized by a multilevel structure: Sentences (sentence level) are nested within persons (person level). In contrast to analysis of variance and multiple regression techniques, hierarchical linear models take the multilevel structure of reading time data into account. They…

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the steps involved in testing for multigroup invariance using Amos Graphics. Based on analysis of covariance (ANCOV) structures, 2 applications are demonstrated, each of which represents a different set of circumstances. Application 1 focuses on the equivalence of a measuring instrument and tests for…

The overarching intent of this article is to exemplify strategies associated with tests for measurement invariance that are uncommonly applied and reported in the extant literature. Designed within a pedagogical framework, the primary purposes are 3-fold and illustrate (a) tests for measurement invariance based on the analysis of means and…

Reducing the arbitrariness of a metric is distinct from the pursuit of validity, rational zero points, data transformations, standardization, and the types of statistical procedures one uses to analyze interval-level versus ordinal-level data. A variety of theoretical, methodological, and statistical tools can assist researchers who wish to make…