The extent to which successful completion of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree could be predicted from readily available admissions data was examined. Results of the discriminant analysis showed that the two criterion groups (graduates and nongraduates) could be differentiated. (Author/GK)

Hit rates obtained in two cross-validation administrations of the Leisure Activity Questionnaire (LAQ) and the Paragraphs about Leisure (PAL) were determined. It was concluded that use of PAL, with results reported in terms of factor scores, is in the most valid and parsimonious measurement strategy of those investigated. (Author/BW)

An international study was undertaken to determine the differences in attitude and approach to outdoor leadership preparation for experts from five nations. Characteristics derived from a canonical discriminant function analysis were used to explain the differences in North America and provide the foundation for a model program. (Author/CW)

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and its potential use for research and evaluation in health-related professions are discussed. Useful data types, interpretation of results, and various applications of MDS are presented. MDS is less restrictive than factor analysis since it does not assume a linear relationship between the objects/variables of…

Describes a study that examined quantifiable characteristics of library schools to construct a model that predicts a judgment of perceived quality of library schools. Two perception studies conducted by Herbert White are discussed, statistical methods used are explained, and recommendations for further research are given. (34 references) (LRW)

Presents logistic discriminant analysis as a means of detecting differential item functioning (DIF) in items that are polytomously scored. Provides examples of DIF detection using a 27-item mathematics test with 1,977 examinees. The proposed method is simpler and more practical than polytomous extensions of the logistic regression DIF procedure.…

Two discriminant function analyses were conducted to determine the cognitive/educational profile which differentiated 4 groups of 68 elementary/secondary level students: attention deficit disorder (ADD), with and without medication; learning disabilities (LD); and nonhandicapped. By treating the LD and nonmedicated ADD subjects as one group, a…

Describes simple conceptual framework for academic intervention that extends functional-analysis procedures to basic academic skills. Organizes research into five hypotheses that can guide interventions. Presents treatment for six academic interventions and procedures for testing effectiveness. Discussion of procedures includes design issues,…

This retrospective study examined long-term effects of Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) by assessing substance use among undergraduates. Results from a multiple discriminant analysis found that after accounting for effects of age, there were no substantial group differences in substance use. These findings add to a growing literature that…

The Gambling Timeline Followback (G-TLFB), a measure of gambling behavior that uses the timeline followback methodology, was psychometrically evaluated with samples of frequent-gambling young adults. Seven dimensions of gambling behavior were assessed: type, frequency, duration, intent, risk, win-loss, and consumption of alcohol while gambling.…

Any effort to understand academic departments would be facilitated by a better understanding of its relationship between its two larger spheres: the institution and the discipline. This study particularly asks: How do the relationships between institutional culture and the culture of the academic department vary by disciplinary field? Using…

Purpose: The variable deletion of word-final consonants is a well-known feature of African American English (AAE). This study aimed to show whether African American children exhibit an alveolar bias in their deletion of final voiceless stops as has been observed for their production of final nasals. Method: The data were extracted from more than…

This study compares the classification accuracy of linear discriminant analysis (LDA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), logistic regression (LR), and classification and regression trees (CART) under a variety of data conditions. Past research has generally found comparable performance of LDA and LR, with relatively less research on QDA and…

Domestic violence is an issue that affects different sides of society; numerous studies have shown that it is a problem that is increasing. This study used a discriminant analysis to identify those scales that might be more effective at predicting group membership among batterer types: pathological batterers, sexually violent batterers, generally…

In survey research, nonresponse has been one of the major concerns about survey accuracy and validity. A case in point is the increasing use of surveys in mass communications research; much previous research has dealt with nonresponse among the general public, but little is known about nonresponse in special subgroups in the population where any…