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)

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)