Reflects on the development of the unidimensional Rasch model for ordered categories and the resistance to some of its initially counterintuitive implications, especially that the thresholds that partition the continuum to form the ordered categories can show an empirical problem with the data. (SLD)

Log-linear analysis (LLA) techniques for categorical variables are demonstrated and evaluated using data from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Symmetrical LLA and asymmetrical LLA address questions of association and inference, respectively. Configural frequency analysis is examined as a strategy for whole types research. LLA approaches seem…

Discusses sequential patterns, data mining, knowledge acquisition, and fuzzy sequential patterns described by natural language. Proposes a fuzzy data mining technique to discover fuzzy sequential patterns by using the simple partition method which allows the linguistic interpretation of each fuzzy set to be easily obtained. (Author/LRW)

Concepts of ordinal network representation are discussed. Notation (the type of data that can be represented) and the type of representation given are reviewed. The idea of reduced ordinal networks is explored; and the algorithm, uniqueness results, and error handling problems are presented. Examples of data analysis are included. (SLD)

An algorithm is described for fitting the DEDICOM model (proposed by R. A. Harshman in 1978) for the analysis of asymmetric data matrices. The method modifies a procedure proposed by Y. Takane (1985) to provide guaranteed monotonic convergence. The algorithm is based on a technique known as majorization. (SLD)

Longitudinal panel data examples are used to illustrate estimation methods for individual growth curve models. These examples demonstrate issues and concerns in the application of hierarchical modeling estimation, specifically the hierarchical linear models of A. S. Bryk and S. W. Raudenbush. (SLD)

Reviews entities that can be factored, with emphasis on Q-technique analyses. Explains basic rationale for Q-technique factor analysis, offers guidelines regarding use of Q-technique factor analysis, presents studies to illustrate applications of Q-technique factor analysis, and discusses special considerations with regard to Q-technique factor…

Notes that existence of substantial correlation between two or more independent variables creates problems of multicollinearity in multiple regression. Discusses multicollinearity problem in social work research in which independent variables are usually intercorrelated. Clarifies problems created by multicollinearity, explains detection of…

Discusses several issues that pertain to analysis of data from repeated measurements designs. Notes that necessity for assumption concerning uniformity of correlations can be avoided by calculating linear and/or nonlinear trend scores. Discusses advantages of separately calculated trend scores. Proposes conservative criterion for use of one-sided…

Illustrates use of time-series designs for determining efficacy of interventions with fictitious data describing drug-abuse prevention program. Discusses problems and procedures associated with time-series data analysis using Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Averages (ARIMA) models. Example illustrates application of ARIMA analysis for…

Examines data from five studies that compared the efficacy of standard approaches to counseling for depression with religion-accommodative approaches. There was no evidence that the religion-accommodative approaches were more or less efficacious than standard approaches. Findings suggest that the choice to use religious approaches is probably more…

Considers the role of an organization's senior information officer as it has evolved in the last half of this century and suggest future specialization possibilities. Discusses data analysts; information management; resource management; and current trends from information toward the concept of knowledge. (LRW)

A unifying modular approach to the description of modern instrumentation used in analytical measurements is described. Through the identification of five modules for analytical instrument, discussions pertaining to the different physical and chemical interactions can be better directed towards the similarities and differences in the actual methods.

This article presents a novel exploratory multigroup approach that quantifies relative group differences within an item response theory framework using tools from functional data analysis. Specifically, examinee groups are formed using different clustering methodologies based on background and attitudinal variable profiles. Item parameters for the…

The article describes the harmonic mean and explores situations for using it. Activities that involve hands-on practice for students are provided. Students learn to recognize which mean, harmonic or arithmetic, is appropriate.