A Bayesian framework for making mastery/nonmastery decisions based on multivariate test data is described. Overall, mastery is granted if the posterion expected loss associated with such action is smaller than the one incurred by denying mastery. (Author/JKS)

Incidence sampling is a parsimonious method whereby a large number of examinees can be measured on many variables (such as test items) to assess group characteristics. Parameters used to describe an incidence sample are estimated using the theory of generalized symmetric means and generalizability theory. (Author/JKS)

Basic characteristics of survey as a research study are discussed. Issues associated with survey research, potential uses of survey research as a strategy in science education, and potential problems jeopardizing survey studies are also discussed. (JN)

To determine if the observed correlation between two variables can be "explained" by a third variable, a significance test on the partial correlation coefficient is often used. This can be misleading when the third variable is measured with error. This article shows how the problem can be partially overcome. (Author/BW)

The effects of under and overrotation on common factor loading stability under three levels of common variance and three levels or error are examined. Four representative factor matrices were selected. Results suggested that matrices which account for large amounts of common variance tend to have stable factor loadings. (Author/RL)

When a test is made to separate a group into two distinct subgroups, as well as to provide an estimate of the mean performance of one subgroup (or both of them), such estimates will be biased due to the unreliability of the test. Suggestions for corrective procedures are presented. (RL)

A distinction is made between estimation and checking, and an analysis of standard errors made on calculators when pupils are checking answers is given. (MP)

Investigated issues associated with stimulating increased return rates to a mail questionnaire among school counselors. Results show that as the number of incentives received increased, the return rates increased in a linear fashion. The incentives did not introduce response error or affect the reliability of the Counselor Function Inventory.…

Reliability coefficients of linear combinations of observed scores have anomalous properties which have led to difficulties in the investigation of difference scores and gain scores in test theory. Discrepancies between classical results and correct results obtained from more general formulas, which allow for correlated errors, are examined…

A statistical model for relating latent variables from manifest variables, called a linear structural equation model, is presented. The approach is illustrated by a test theory model and longitudianl study of intelligence. (Author/JKS)

Discusses George Gallup's crusade to establish polling's scientific and cultural legitimacy that mythologized its history of "progress"; deflected doubts about its accuracy and technical procedures with a rhetoric of scientific of mystification; and celebrated the collective wisdom of "the people." Shows how Gallup's…

Examines potential problems in the use of inferential statistics for single population proportions, differences between two population proportions, and quotients of two population proportions. Discusses hypothesis testing versus interval estimation. Emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate formula for the standard error and…

Using the item response model as developed on the multinomial distribution, asymptotic variances are obtained for residuals with response patterns and first- and second-order marginal frequencies of manifest variables. A limited-information test of fit is developed by using residuals defined for the first- and second-order marginals. (Author/SLD)

The uses and abuses of cut scores are examined. The article demonstrates (1) that cut scores always entail judgment; (2) that cut scores inherently result in misclassification; (3) that cut scores impose an artificial dichotomy on an essentially continuous distribution of knowledge, skill, or ability; and (4) that no true cut scores exist. (SLD)

Monte Carlo techniques were used to examine regression approaches to external unfolding. The present analysis examined the technique to determine if various characteristics of the points are recovered (such as ideal points). Generally, monotonic analyses resulted in good recovery. (TJH)