Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF) profiles for 69 occupational groups were analyzed according to Holland's six occupational types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Convention. Three discriminant functions, labeled Independence, Extraversion, and Anxiety, enabled correct classification of 75 percent of…

Discriminant analysis reveals threat as a dimension in a public relations practitioner's environment. (FL)

Article discusses systems engineering, a method of handling theoretical technology in its adaptation to environment. (Author/IR)

Research supported by the U.S. Office of Education.

Describes a criterion group classification scheme commonly used in conjunction with discriminant function analysis and suggests that clinicians consider membership probabilities for each criterion group of interest. Illustrates this approach using data from a study in which discriminant analysis was used to identify characteristics of problem…

A methodology developed as an alternative to conventional institutional classification structures, intended to reduce the limitations of those models, is described. Ways in which the methodology can be used for planning, administrative, and research purposes are discussed, as are the dangers in using "peer groups" for institutional…

Multiple discriminant analysis is an effective research tool to approach the problem of student attrition. Using this method, the small, liberal arts college can more accurately identify students who are likely to persist. Academic achievement and nonacademic variables are coupled to enhance the power of discriminant analysis. (RC)

Data on National Direct Student Loan Program borrowers at the University of North Carolina illustrate the use of a discriminant function analysis model and an alternative model identifying characteristics of borrowers who repay and borrowers who default. The alternative model--the Tobit technique--includes data on the magnitude of the default.…

Third-year medical students used 12 descriptive items to evaluate the teaching skills of first-year residents, senior medical residents, preceptors, and attending physicians. Intraclass correlations showed that the students were able to judge their instructors reliably. (Author/MLW)

Compared 16 disruptive preadolescent boys with symptoms of attention deficit (AD) to 16 disruptive boys without attention deficit (DIS) and 16 controls (CO) using Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT). Found AD group was significantly distinct (had lower score) in comparison to DIS and CO on color-word score. ADs showed more hesitations on color-word…

Examined the discriminant validity of sexual responses to stories of child sexual assault when told from the point of view of a male perpetrator versus that of a female child victim. Results indicate the relevance of changing deviant preferences and enhancing empathy for the victim while treating child molesters. (RJM)

Compared classification procedures of peer rating and peer positive, negative, and behavioral nomination. Two large samples of children were followed from grades three to five. Each sociometric system was found to maximize different psychometric properties. Two-dimensional systems yielded better behavioral discriminability than did unidimensional…

The use of the "none-of-the-above" option (NOTA) in 20 college-level multiple-choice tests was evaluated for classes with 100 or more students. Eight academic disciplines were represented, and 295 NOTA and 724 regular test items were used. It appears that the NOTA can be compatible with good classroom measurement. (TJH)

Predicting MBA student performance for admission decisions is crucial for educational institutions. This paper evaluates the ability of three different models--neural networks, logit, and probit to predict MBA student performance in graduate programs. The neural network technique was used to classify applicants into successful and marginal student…

Few studies of religiosity and physical activity (PA) correlates have been conducted; thus, a cross-sectional survey of 367 more and less religious Jewish adolescents' (M age = 12.8 years, SD = 0.9) perceptions of parental and environmental support of PA was conducted at religious day schools in two large American cities. Maternal Support,…