Among the five rounds of labor force projections conducted between 1970 and 1980, those estimates produced in 1978 yielded results closest to actual 1985 values. (Author)

The use of multiple regression for analyzing data from the regression-discontinuity design (RDD) is examined, considering the effects of random measurement error in the pretest, treatment-effect interactions, and curvilinearity in the regression analysis of RDD. Three sets of conditions of increasing generality are reviewed. (SLD)

Discusses how to use attribute sampling to assess the accuracy of a library circulation system. Describes the nature of sampling, sampling risk, and nonsampling error. Presents nine steps for using attribute sampling to determine the maximum percentage of incorrect records in a circulation system. (AEF)

Analytical solutions for point and variance estimators of the mediated effect, the ratio of mediated to direct effect, and the proportion of the total effect mediated were determined through simulation for different samples. The sample sizes needed for accuracy and stability are discussed with implications for mediated effects estimates. (SLD)

Four things are recommended to minimize the influence or importance of statistical significance testing. Researchers must not neglect to add "statistical" to significant and could interpret results before giving p-values. Effect sizes should be reported with measures of sampling error, and replication can be built into the design. (SLD)

The delta method was used to derive standard errors (SES) of the Levine observed score and Levine true score linear test equating methods using data from two test forms. SES derived without the normality assumption and bootstrap SES were very close. The situation with skewed score distributions is also discussed. (SLD)

Reviews J. P. Rushton's data in "Race Differences in Behavior: A Review and Evolutionary Analysis" (1988), and suggests that aggregating large cohorts of methodologically weak studies results in misleading conclusions. A reanalysis of Rushton's data shows that cranial size is not a feasible indicator of intelligence and is similar in…

Cross-validated the IMM scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescents (MMPI-A), a measure of ego level, with 151 college students. Means and standard deviations were obtained on IMM scale from the MMPI-A and another MMPI version for males and females. (SLD)

Multiple-choice and true-false versions of Palmore's first Facts on Aging Quiz were completed by 501 college students. Multiple choice reduced the chances of guessing and had less measurement error for average and above-average respondents. (Author/SK)

Provides asymptotic standard errors of the estimates of equated scores from several types of item response theory (IRT) true score equatings. Equating designs considered cover those with internal or external common items and separate or simultaneous estimation. Uses marginal maximum likelihood estimation for the estimation of item parameters. (SLD)

Why the standard error must serve as a standard against which educational gains are measured is discussed from a policy analysis perspective, considering technical and policy levels. An online discussion of the issues in the use of the standard error is transcribed and attached. (SLD)

Evaluated the distribution of person fit within the computerized-adaptive testing (CAT) environment through simulation. Found that, within the CAT environment, these indexes tend not to follow a standard normal distribution. Person fit indexes had means and standard deviations that were quite different from the expected. (SLD)

Content analysis of 364 articles in the Journal of Agricultural Education 1990-1999 indicated that a majority of studies did not mention nonresponse error as a threat to external validity, did not attempt to control for nonresponse error, or did not cite literature on handling it. Protocols to address nonresponse error were proposed. (Contains 24…

Subjective well-being (SWB) is an important indicator of quality of life. SWB can be conceptualized as a momentary state (e.g., mood) as well as a relatively stable trait (e.g., life satisfaction). The validity of self-reported trait aspects of SWB has been questioned by experimental studies showing that SWB judgments seem to be strongly context…

Assessment agencies are increasingly facing pressure on two fronts; first, to increase transparency and openness and second, to improve public confidence. Yet, in relation to one of the central concepts of educational measurement--inherent error--many believe that increased public understanding is incompatible with public confidence: a general…