This paper deals with a stochastic process for the approximation of the root of a regression equation. This process was first suggested by Robbins and Monro. The main result here is a necessary and sufficient condition on the iteration coefficients for convergence of the process (convergence with probability one and convergence in the quadratic…

As the literature indicates, no method is presently available which takes explicitly into account that the parameters of Lazarsfeld's latent class analysis are defined as probabilities and are therefore restricted to the interval (0,1). An appropriate transform on the parameters is presented in order to satisfy this constraint. (Author/JKS)

The accuracy of normal approximations to the binomial test was evaluated with and without a continuity correction, regarding control of Type I errors and power. Both tests exhibited substantial power loss in comparison to the exact binomial test, although they are easier to apply and are sometimes desirable. (SLD)

This note extends and elaborates Hubert's attempt to provide an interpretation of Freeman's measure of association, theta. The theta measure is used in a contingency table when observations are ordered on one variable and unordered on the other. No attempt is made to explore the distribution of theta. (Author/RC)

An exact probability test for use with certain Likert-type scales is presented. The procedure assumes equally-spaced points, independence of subjects' responses, and that each point has an equal likelihood of response for each subject. Tables for critical values are presented. (Author/JKS)

Summarizes what to expect for teachers according to the stars and including all signs of the zodiak. Quite humorous, actually. (GB)

Problems of type I errors associated with multiple comparisons in the same experiment are discussed. A table is provided for the rapid determination of experimentwise alpha level when a number of independent statistical tests are employed in the same experiment. Suggested applications and the rationale for this procedure are supplied. (Author/JKS)

Three potential models for the 2 X 2 contingency table are discussed: (1) the hypergeometric Independence Trial; (2) the double-binomial Comparative Trial; and (3) the multinomial Double Dichotomy Trial. Subsequently, the critical regions of seven statistical tests are evaluated within each of these models. (TJH)

Discusses Aristotle's five means of making judgments: intelligence, "episteme" (scientific knowledge), "sophia" (theoretical wisdom), "techne" (art), and "phronesis" (practical wisdom). Sets Aristotle's theory of rhetorical argument within the context of his overall view of human judgment. Notes that…

This speculative historiographic essay attempts to fix the present position of library and information science within the context of the probabilistic revolution that has been encompassing all of science. Comprises a guide to statistical research in library and information science, discussing skewed distributions, biostatistics, stochastic models,…

Relates Thurstonian models for paired comparisons data to Thurstonian models for ranking data and proposes an intermediate model for paired comparisons data that assigns nonzero probabilities to all transitive patterns and to some, but not all, intransitive patterns. Conducted a simulation study to investigate the performance of three alternative…

This study examined factors predictive of dropping out of high school for students with learning disabilities (LD) and mental retardation (MR). The sample was composed of 228 students with LD or MR who dropped out of school and 228 students with LD or MR who had not dropped out. Two sets of pre- dictor variables (student demographics and interview…

Background: Previous studies on instructional importance show that individual students and their teachers differ in the topics that they consider important in the context of an upcoming teacher-made test. Aims: This study aimed to examine whether such differences between students' test expectations and teachers' intended task demands can be…