Examined the degree to which coefficient alpha is affected by including items with different distribution shapes within a unidimensional scale. Computer simulation results indicate that reliability does not increase dramatically as a result of using differentially shaped items within a scale. Discusses implications for test construction. (SLD)

Examines connectionist simulations indicating that starting with simplified inputs or limited memory is not necessary in training recurrent neural networks to learn pseudo-natural languages; such restrictions hinder acquisition. Suggests that Gold's theorem and possible lack of explicit negative evidence do not implicate innate,…

Presents an approach to multidimensional unfolding that reduces the occurrence of degenerate solutions and conducts a Monte Carlo study to demonstrate the superiority of the new method to the ALSCAL and KYST nonmetric procedures for student preference data. (SLD)

Clarifies several issues regarding the effects of autocorrelated errors on Type I error in ordinary least-squares models. Demonstrates through Monte Carlo simulation the conditions under which distortion in Type I error is less than predicted by asymptotic theory. Suggests a recently developed small-sample method for time-series analyses. (SLD)

Used Monte Carlo methods to compare several measures of item-parameter drift, manipulating numbers of examinees and items and numbers of drift items. Overall, Lord's chi square (F. Lord, 1968) measure was the most effective in identifying items that exhibited drift. Discusses the usefulness of other methods. (SLD)

Studied results from five linking methods under the graded-response model using simulated data. Results show that differences in the linking coefficients are small. The five methods yielded similar results for longer common-item links with large sample sizes and when the distribution of item-location parameters matched the underlying trait…

Compared three methods for developing a common metric under item response theory through simulation. For smaller numbers of common items, linking using the characteristic curve method yielded smaller root mean square differences for both item discrimination and difficulty parameters. For larger numbers of common items, the three methods were…

Applied optimal design methods to the item-bank design of adaptive testing for continuous testing situations using a version of the weighted-deviations model (M. Stocking and L. Swanson, 1993) in a simulation. Independent and overlapping item banks used items more efficiently than did a large item bank. (SLD)

Proposes a method for obtaining standard errors and confidence intervals of composite reliability coefficients based on bootstrap methods and using a structural-equation-modeling framework for estimating the composite reliability of congeneric measures (T. Raykov, 1997). Demonstrates the approach with simulated data. (SLD)

An account of grammatical acquisition is developed within the parameter setting framework applied to a generalized categorical grammar (GCG). Computational simulation shows that several resulting acquisition procedures are effective on a parameter set expressing major typological distinctions based on constituent order, and defining 70 distinct…

Presents a hierarchical Bayes approach to modeling parameter heterogeneity in generalized linear models. The approach combines the flexibility of semiparametric latent class models that assume common parameters for each subpopulation and the parsimony of random effects models that assume normal distributions for the regression parameters.…

A Rasch method is proposed to measure variables of nonadditive conjoint structures, where dichotomous response conditions are evaluated. In this framework, both the number of endorsed items and their latent positions are considered. The four steps of the method are explained and illustrated with simulated person responses. (SLD)

Assessed the robustness of an estimation method for multilevel and path analysis with hierarchical data proposed by B. Muthen (1989) with unequal groups and small sample sizes and in the presence of a low or high intraclass correlation. Simulation results show the effects of varying these conditions on the within-group and between-groups part of…

Studied the error associated with a proposed linking method for tests consisting of both constructed response and multiple choice items through a simulation study varying several factors. Results support the use of the proposed linking method. Also illustrated possible linking bias resulting from use of the traditional linking method and the use…

The Model United Nations simulation is an effective way to provide undergraduate business students with international and multicultural experiences. Students develop personal and technical skills such as researching, caucusing, negotiating, and consensus building. (SK)