Examines the process of consonant cluster reduction in the English of residents of a San Antonio, Texas, "barrio." The author compares Tejano patterns of "/-t,d/" deletion with the pan-English pattern. Results suggest a pattern of convergence and divergence. The study shows that Mexican American English exhibits regional and…

Summarizes findings from a study that used multidimensional scaling to examine the inherent complexity of vocational aspirations as a measurement construct. Uncovered the perceptual dimensions underlying college students' expressions of vocational aspirations when these aspirations were distinguished as preferences and as expectations.…

Examines the drop-out factor in adult language classes. It is argued that when focusing on the learner as an individual, it is important to consider the social reality of the learning situation. The first task is to identify the motivational factors confronting teachers in the language classroom and to find ways to support the student's motivation…

A survey investigated the importance of 22 institutional attributes to 1,574 potential students of a university business school. Effects of student variables (public vs. private high schools, class rank, suburban vs. rural high schools, gender) were also considered. Factor analysis is found useful for research on college choice. (MSE)

A method is proposed for constructing a population covariance matrix as the sum of a particular model plus a nonstochastic residual matrix, with the stipulation that the model holds with a prespecified lack of fit. The procedure is considered promising for Monte Carlo studies. (SLD)

A two-level model for factor analysis is defined, and formulas for a scoring algorithm for this model are derived. A simple noniterative method based on decomposition of total sums of the squares and cross-products is discussed and illustrated with simulated data and data from the Second International Mathematics Study. (SLD)

Scrutinizes the assessment of students' practical skills, in an honors-level biology examination, for construct validity utilizing both correlational and factor analytical methods to explore relationships between students' practical (laboratory) and theoretical (written) performances. Indicates that teacher assessment of practical skills resulted…

Investigates relationships among measures of second-language proficiency (SLP), foreign-language aptitude, verbal intelligence and reasoning in 160 Japanese college students studying English. The factor analysis of several different SLP test scores was examined, and the relationship between a general SLP factor and a hypothetical general cognitive…

The underlying structure of student ratings of instruction was explored by using 3 units of analysis: (1) individual ratings from 42,407 college students; (2) class means; and (3) deviations from class means. Class means produce a different structure, calling into question the usual robust factor structure of ratings. (SLD)

Two authors of a paper (EC 602 058) reporting a factor analysis on records referring students to special education comment on their research: how their interest developed, their reaction to critics, clinical impressions acquired from the data, and the possible bias of school personnel toward referring more boys than girls for special education.…

Examines development indicators from 1960 to 1984 for 38 sub-Saharan African countries to determine whether education is an independent factor in development. Concludes that development indicators are determined by factors including basic education; urbanization; pupil-teacher ratio; standard of living; economic growth; service sector; food…

A trilevel (macro, intermediate, and micro) analytical framework was used to determine problems in the organizational context that reduce or impede the application of training outcomes. A law enforcement job-skill training program was studied via survey responses of 322 course graduates. Factor analyses identified predictors of training use. (SLD)

Measurement properties of two response formats (bipolar and unipolar ratings) in personality assessment were compared using data from 135 college students taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Factorial validity and construct validity of the MBTI were supported. Reasons why the bipolar method is preferable are discussed. (SLD)

Primary and second-order principal components analyses were performed on the Quality of School Life Scale (QSL), a measure of elementary school climate, for responses of 141 fourth through sixth graders. Findings suggest three general factors, but item composition of subscales differs somewhat from that proposed by the QSL's developers. (SLD)

Examined children's perceptions of peer behaviors to identify those likely to result in social rejection. Found three behavior groups leading to negative peer evaluation: academic- disruptive, anxious-depressed, and aggressive-antisocial. Found younger children were more negative toward disruptive and aggressive behavior, older children more…