The power functions of Student t tests performed on initial scores, ordinary ranks, 3 kinds of modular ranks, and dichotomies were investigated for 1 normal and 3 nonnormal distributions using 2 samples of 26 simulated scores each. Advantages of extending the rank transformation concept are discussed. (SLD)

Explains a situation in which the standard nonparametric one-sample runs test gives anomalous results and describes a procedure that allows the maximum run length to be determined empirically through a Monte Carlo permutation test. Illustrates the new procedure with examples from suicide research and psycholinguistics. (SLD)

It is argued that outlier-prone distributions reduce the power of nonparametric tests, but power can be restored through procedures usually associated with parametric tests. Computer simulation is used to show how an outlier detection and downweighting procedure augments the power of the t-test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. (SLD)

This paper introduces dynamic latent-class models for the analysis and interpretation of stability and change in recurrent choice data. These latent-class models provide a nonparametric representation of individual taste differences. The approach is illustrated with an analysis of a purchase incidence data set. (SLD)

Presents a general class of ordinal logit models that specifies equality and inequality constraints on sums of conditional response probabilities. Uses maximum likelihood to estimate these models, making their assumptions testable with likelihood-ratio statistics. Illustrates the proposed models with an example using reported adult crying…

This article reports two studies to illustrate methodologies for conducting a conditional covariance-based nonparametric dimensionality assessment using data from two forms of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Study 1 illustrates how to assess overall dimensionality of the TOEFL including all three subtests. Study 2 is aimed at…

Most researchers using factor analysis extract factors from a matrix of Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. A method is presented for extracting factors in a non-parametric way, by extracting factors from a matrix of Spearman rho (rank correlation) coefficients. It is possible to factor analyze a matrix of association such that…

The Individual Scaling with Individual Subjects (ISIS) procedure appears to be a viable implementation of an incomplete design for collecting real as well as simulated data. Applied to a multidimensional set of data, it reduced the number of judgments required by more than half and yet gave the same number of dimensions. (Author/RC)

Examines the distinction between parametric and nonparametric statistics. Includes 45 references. (MLH)

Too often researchers rely upon the classical normal theory parametric tests to analyze non-normal data, even though the tests may not be robust to violations of that assumption. Fligner's class of two-sample tests for scale is an important development because the test is distribution-free and has desirable properties. This paper outlines the…

Monte Carlo procedures were used to investigate the properties of a nonmetric multidimensional scaling algorithm when used to scale an incomplete matrix of dissimilarities. Recommendations for users wishing to scale incomplete matrices are made. (Author/RC)

A new test for increasing or decreasing trend in a set of observations is presented. Rather than making specific paired comparisons, as in the Cox and Stuart tests for trend, the user of the new test makes the comparisons of all possible pairs of observations. (Author)

Four nonparametric alternatives to the parametric Bartlett test are presented for handling the K-sample equality of variance problem. The two sample Siegel-Tukey Test, Mood Coefficient of Alienation Test, and Klotz Test are extended to the multisample situation by the methods of Puri. A fourth alternative involving a Q-statistic procedure…

Behavioral scientists often wish to determine if a sample has been taken from a symmetric population. Similarly, classroom teachers are interested in symmetry if they wish to grade on a "curve." Previously, the sign test, the Wilcoxon test and the t-test have been used to test a hypothesis concerning the symmetry of a distribution of…

Illustrates a simple nonparametric alternative that can be used to test a hypothesis that two proximity matrices on the same set of variables or objects reflect a similar pattern of high and low entries. (RC)