This paper is concerned with the study of similarities and differences in factor structures between different groups. A common situation is when a battery of tests has been administered to samples of examinees from several populations. A very general model is presented, in which any parameter in the factor analysis models (factor loadings, factor…

This study tests the appropriateness of Torrance's assumptions of trait independence and the combinability of measures (Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking) with respect to the scoring of the tests for a younger population and estimates the homogeneity of the scores. The sample consisted of 128 elementary school children. Results indicate that…

The mathematical models of this paper were developed as an outgrowth of working with the Comprehensive Achievement Monitoring project (Project CAM) which was conceived as a model and application of sampling procedures such as those used in industrial quality control techniques to educational measurement. This paper explores mathematical modeling…

This document consists of unrevised lecture notes for the first half of a 20-week in-house graduate course at Rand Corporation. The chapter headings are: (1) Histograms and descriptive statistics; (2) Measures of dispersion, distance and goodness of fit; (3) Using JOSS for data analysis; (4) Binomial distribution and normal approximation; (5)…

In a previous Semantic Differential study, Ayrer and Farber (1972) reported the results of a factor analysis which utilized a matrix sampling approach. Some problems were encountered (negative eigen-values). The current study did not involve matrix sampling, but the same basic results were obtained. This suggests matrix sampling may be an…

A method for estimating power scores is described. By way of illustration, it is applied to 21 students who were improperly timed on a standard test. Some empirical results are given in support of the estimation procedure. (Author)

The testing of every fourth-grade classroom in Massachusetts was carried out in an effort to answer the following questions: (1) What are the levels of mastery of basic skills in Massachusetts fourth grades? Are there differences in achievement between skills?; (2) What educational needs can be inferred for Massachusetts' students, based on basic…

This study examines a common set of equating items for their appropriateness to both American and Canadian populations and, to determine the equations for converting scores from the verbal and mathematical scales of the 1971 form of the Canadian Scholastic Aptitude Test (the future standard continuing scales of the CSAT) to the corresponding…

Teachers and assistant teachers (N = 32) from two rural counties in North Carolina rated five pre-school educational settings and one hypothesized ideal setting using a semantic differential in order to determine if the semantic differential could be used to reliably differentiate between pre-school educational environments. Five discrepancy…

The feasibility of using multiple choice questions as a reliable procedure in testing trainees is discussed, and suggestions for test construction are offered. (BP)

This research was concerned with a further exploration of the adolescent's capacity to think in formal terms about the consequences of suddenly changed circumstances depicted in literature. Implications for classroom learning are considered. (Author/RK)

Several statistical rational and empirical procedures are presented for dealing with the problems of non-response or low return rates in surveys, namely mail surveys. Advantages and shortcomings of these procedures in educational research are discussed. (SLD)

This study used multiple regression analysis to relate computer user satisfaction to communication monitor (CM) variables. Results indicate the variables of user expectations, manufacturers, and vendors are most significant in affecting overall satisfaction, whereas number of systems represented and not using communication monitors have least…

Study compares the Rasch and the Guttman models of measurement and thus adds to the description of the characteristics of Rasch's logistic model. Such knowledge is of importance in making decisions as to which model and which statistics should be used in evaluations of tests. (Author/CB)

An examination of the weaknesses of the common statistical approaches suggests that change scores are unnecessary and often even inappropriate for statistical studies. Alternative statistical procedures are suggested. (Author/VW)