A two-stage process that considers the multidimensionality of tests under the framework of unidimensional item response theory is described and evaluated. Findings from a simulation indicate that gains in estimation robustness and score interpretation are possible with almost no sacrifice of goodness of fit when using this two-stage approach. (SLD)

Test taking and scoring are examined from the normative and descriptive perspectives of judgment and decision theory. The number-right scoring rule is endorsed because it discourages omissions and is robust against variability in respondent motivations, item vagaries, and limitations in judgments of uncertainty. (SLD)

This paper recommends use of analysis of covariance in early intervention research to account for pretreatment group differences and increase statistical power. Diagrams show how analysis of covariance manipulates data under various conditions. Simulated data analysis demonstrates the process of selecting covariates and shows the results with and…

The approximate degrees of freedom Welch-James (WJ) and Brown-Forsythe (BF) procedures for testing within-subjects effects in multivariate groups by trials repeated measures designs were investigated under departures from covariance homogeneity and normality. Empirical Type I error and power rates were obtained for least-squares estimators and…

Over 2 consecutive years, parents and their adolescent children from 199 poor families in Hong Kong responded to the Chinese Perceived Causes of Poverty Scale, which assesses beliefs about the causes of poverty. The author abstracted 4 factors from the scale. Analyses showed that these factors (personal problems, exploitation, lack of opportunity,…

Purpose: The study attempts to examine the viewpoints of those involved in evaluating the performance of section heads in Kuwait secondary schools; mainly section heads themselves, supervisors and principals. It sets out to determine the strength and weaknesses in the performance evaluation form designed for section heads.…

Schools need collaboration to keep teachers and students learning and for the implementation of new ideas. Community college students who strive to become teachers can learn to collaborate with colleagues. Through a review of literature, this paper presents a variety of purposes, definitions, types and methods of collaboration. A practical guide…

The empirical performance of the technique proposed by P. O. Johnson and J. Neyman (1936) (the JN technique) and the modification of R. F. Potthoff (1964) was studied in simulated data settings. The robustness of the two JN techniques was investigated with respect to their ability to control Type I and Type III errors. Factors manipulated in the…

Type I error rates for Yao's, James' first-order and second-order, and Johansen's tests of equality of mean vectors for two independent samples were estimated for various conditions defined by the degree of heteroscedasticity and nonnormality. Each procedure can be seriously nonrobust with exponential and log-normal distributions. (TJH)

The calculation of composite indicators and the derivation of respective rankings is a common method used to benchmark countries or regions. However, although the statistical robustness of these rankings is often criticised, they often still spark off heated political debate. Here, we assess the sensitivity of the province ranking published by the…

DIMTEST is a statistical test procedure for assessing essential unidimensionality of binary test item responses. The test statistic T used for testing the null hypothesis of essential unidimensionality is a nonparametric statistic. That is, there is no particular parametric distribution assumed for the underlying ability distribution or for the…

Computer Adaptive Sequential Testing (CAST) is a test delivery model that combines features of the traditional conventional paper-and-pencil testing and item-based computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The basic structure of CAST is a panel composed of multiple testlets adaptively administered to examinees at different stages. Current applications…

The quality of performance estimates from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) long-term trend assessment for Black and Hispanic students was evaluated. NAEP estimates of these trends are imprecise to the point that their usefulness for policymaking is arguable. Long-term trend assessment results also differ from main assessment…

A Monte Carlo study explores the robustness assumption in structural equation modeling of using a full information normal theory generalized least-squares estimation procedure on Type I censored data. The efficacy of the following proposed alternate estimation procedures is assessed: asymptotically distribution free estimator and a latent…

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)