Methods for ordering and selecting variables for discriminant analysis in multiple group comparison or group prediction studies include: univariate Fs, stepwise analysis, learning discriminant function (LDF) variable correlations, communalities, LDF standardized coefficients, and weighted standardized coefficients. Five indices based on distance,…

The objective of this study was to explore the semantic structure used by subjects in assessing (evaluating) a series of eight television commercials previously (but unofficially) rated for deceptiveness by FTC attorneys. Five local respondent groups were used: 158 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory advertising course, 175…

The thesis investigates the characteristics of effective teaching as perceived by students at the Naval Postgraduate School. Principal components factor analysis is used to extract the characteristics from observations on an 86 variable questionnaire form designed by Hildebrand and Wilson. The characteristics are then used as a basis for a short…

One phase of an investigation of the high attrition rate of junior colleges, this study sought to determine whether it is possible to predict, before classes begin, if an entering student will stay through or withdraw during the first semester. Data obtained in Phase One of the study of 653 entering students were augmented with high school test…

Equations are derived to enable the graphic approximation of the item parameters of the stochastic mental test models, i.e., the generalized normal ogive and logistic models. The item parameters for the models are discriminatory power, difficulty, and probability of chance success. Suggested uses for the approximations were to provide a basis for…

This article presents a summary of some research on a statistical approach to identifying potentially successful and dropout students in a college population. The technique utilized is Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA). MDA eliminates the shortcomings of regression-correlation and uses only quantifiable information. The 2 variables that proved…

Discriminant function analysis was used to predict which college students were graduated in four years, were still enrolled after four years, left the college in good academic standing, or left after being on probation. Results were moderately successful. (Author/JKS)

Questions the assumption that literal, figurative, and anomalous sentences should be regarded as qualitatively different kinds of speech rather than as portions of a continuum of language use. (RL)

The study examined the ability of Kaufman's (1979) profile analysis procedure with the WISC-R (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised) to discriminate learning disabled (LD) from non-LD children. A discriminant analysis of data on 279 children resulted in low classification accuracy, suggesting limited diagnostic utility of Kaufman's…

Evaluated construct and discriminant validity of Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) for large child and adolescent sample of clinical inpatients and demographically comparable nonreferred subjects. Three factors entered a significant discrimination function. Depressive Affect and Oppositional Behavior distinguished depressive and…

Three discriminant analyses were performed for each of the different factors of work values. All dimensions discriminated effectively between liberal arts and engineering students. Liberal arts students tended to focus on general aspects of work, while engineering students maintained values relevant to specific aspects of their perceived jobs.…

A study was conducted to determine whether a specific set of factors could be used to predict a student's success in completing an introductory English course in the general education curriculum at a small southern university. The sample included first-time freshmen enrolled during seven semesters (n=942). Variables were: (1) completion of the…

Findings suggest that, if curiosity is to be developed meaningfully in the schools, affective development must be fostered at the same time that cognitive skills are taught. (Authors)

Presents an overview of diffusion theory and the attributes of innovations and their adopting units, as well as the methodology and results of a study designed to increase understanding of innovative behavior by investigating perceptions of both adopters and nonadopters of the consumer-oriented videotex service, Channel 2000. (EAO)