A linear classification rule (used with equal covariance matrices) was contrasted with a quadratic rule (used with unequal covariance matrices) for accuracy of internal and external classification. The comparisons were made for seven situations which resulted from combining three data conditions (equal and unequal covariance matrices, minimal and…

The utilization of computer programed mathematical models for educational planning has a brief but rapidly accelerating history. This paper describes and, to some extent, evaluates several of these models. It also discusses some of the theoretical problems associated with their formulation and implementation. Models surveyed are of: (1) the…

Discriminant analysis is reviewed in terms of: (1) formulations, (2) interpretations, (3) uses, (4) issues and problems in applications, (5) recent developments and conceptualizations, and (6) general references and computer programs. Four aspects of a discriminant analysis are considered. They are: (1) separation: determining intergroup…

There is a need for clarity regarding different research strategies in order to assess the relative contribution of each. Using the framework of the Facet Design Technique (FDT) for problem structuring, eight general research strategies are identified as they relate to measurement fidelity, representativeness of units, and treatment…

In a related study, factor analysis was applied to reduce a selected set of medical school characteristics to their principal dimensions. In this study, the results were then used as input to a series of multivariate cluster analyses that isolated clusters of medical schools that were similar to each other and different from schools in other…

Four techniques for assessing differences between least-squares estimators of regression coefficients from group and individual-level data are summarized. The utility and suitability of all four approaches are discussed when (1) data are grouped by a nominal characteristic; (2) there are multiple regressors; or (3) individual-level data cannot be…

Discusses ways to improve quality of retrieval systems that depend on use of truncated words or quasi-word stems as indexing vocabulary. Problems of generalizability and stability of discriminant function analysis for selecting good topical terms in database drawn from abstracts of Harris Survey press releases are addressed. References are cited.…

Analysis of the variables measured on the General Aptitude Tests Battery and the Metropolitan Achievement Tests indicates that while achievement ratings are related to in-school and post-school success, aptitude testing may not be as effective a method as believed for vocational placement. Extensive literature review. Data tables. (CJ)

The authors state that multiple regression is a powerful method of statistical analysis, provides a strength of relationship index, and should replace analysis of variance (ANOVA) in educational research. They also discuss the coding of categorical variables and available computer programs for multiple regression. (Author/MH)

Reports on a study of the frequency of occurrence of moving image versions, the types of differences that can occur in intellectual and artistic content from one version to another, and the visible indicators, such as mention in reference sources, appearance, and length of production associated with these differences. A list of films in sample is…

A cluster analytic study was conducted to derive behaviorally homogeneous subtypes of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) based on a range of behavioral symptoms that characterize autism. Analysis of data on 34 children with PDD, 27 of whom met criteria for autism, indicated 4 distinct groups differing on independent measures of social,…

Objective: Adolescents' functional impairment has become increasingly important as a criterion for diagnosis and service eligibility as well as a target of therapeutic intervention in mental health settings. This study examines three critical issues in measuring functioning: 1) agreement between parent and adolescent reports of functioning, 2)…

In this paper, the multilateral comparison method of classifying languages is described and analyzed. It is suggested that while it is espoused as a simple and reasonable approach to language classification, the method has serious flaws. "Multilateral" or "mass" comparison (MC) is not a method of genetic language…