The use of cluster analysis, a multivariate classification technique, is advocated as a framework to guide the purposive selection of projects for multiple-case study research. A cluster analysis of a contrived data set demonstrates how the procedure is performed, and advantages and limitations are discussed. (SLD)

The relationship between Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) scores and major depression, conduct disorder, and anxiety disorders was studied for 107 psychiatric inpatients aged 12 to 18 years. Findings support total CDI score, rather than factor scores, as the most practical measure for classifying participants as depressed or not. (SLD)

Two experiments were conducted with 124 undergraduate and graduate students to investigate the interaction between strategy use and accessibility to relevant knowledge. Variations in relevant knowledge accessibility significantly affected strategy use on the first memorization trial, and ease of use on the first trial affected maintenance of the…

The relative consistency in categorization by age-equivalent groups of preoperational and concrete-operational first graders was assessed across two categorization tasks employing color drawings of exemplars of superordinate artifact categories. Results are discussed in terms of the utilization and acquisition of knowledge about superordinate…

It is argued that the axes of the Learning Style Inventory and Learning Style Questionnaire are not conceptually aligned. More accurate comparison involves the degree of similar classification of learning styles, as illustrated in the modest but similar degree of classification for 44 graduate and undergraduate students. (SLD)

Developed typology of 156 convicted driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) offenders using cluster analysis and external validation procedures. Derived typology from four variables (alcohol dependence severity, psychiatric severity, bad-driving index, social instability) selected to maximize feasibility of performing treatment matching with DWI…

Analysis of staff perceptions of classes of reinforcers and aberrant behaviors of 480 people with predominantly severe or profound mental retardation suggested 8 classes of reinforcers (e.g., consumable, play) and 5 classes of maladaptive behaviors (irritability, lethargy, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and inappropriate speech). Each class of…

Reports results of a study that examined Library of Congress topical subject headings and subdivisions in a large bibliographic database. Creation of a new machine-readable authority file of topical subdivisions and enhancements to the existing subject authority file are recommended to assist in assignment and validation of subdivided headings.…

This case study of how the museum community is trying to select standards for data interchange between museum systems reviews the work of the Museum Computer Network's committee on the Computer Interchange of Museum Information (CIMI) and reflects on the issues confronting CIMI as it tries to exploit information technology standards as a strategy.…

Three experiments explored four and seven year olds' and adults' knowledge of taxonomy, including horizontal relations between items at the same hierarchical level and vertical relations between items at different hierarchical levels. Results showed that four year olds' taxonomic knowledge was restricted to one type of horizontal relationship. (BC)

The author presents a dichotomous key to 29 tree cones, fruits, and nuts of eastern United States. Students can use the key to identify at least 10 species in a 1-hour laboratory assignment. This key uses reproductive structures that are significantly different from others. These structures are durable enough to be used in the laboratory for many…

Presents 7 experiments with 118 undergraduates tracking multiple randomly moving visual elements under various conditions. Observers spontaneously grouped the target elements and directed attention toward this coherent nonrigid virtual object. Results support object-based theories of attention and show that perceptual grouping, a purely…

Item response theory (IRT) differential item functioning (DIF) methods used to determine the accuracy of item classification as biased or unbiased were studied. Results from simulations show that the iterative linking and ability scale purification method can be more effective than iterative linking alone primarily by reducing false negatives.…

Analysis of 61 successful grant applications for the federal Establishment of Departments of Family Medicine grants program identified three dimensions for classifying supported developmental activities: (1) the functional area of the activity; (2) the objectives of the activity; and (3) the strategies to be used to attain the objectives.…

Mathematical programing formulas are introduced as new approaches to solve the classification problem in discriminant analysis. The research literature is reviewed, and an illustration using a real-world classification problem is provided. Issues relevant to potential uses of these formulations are discussed. (TJH)