The use of two-stage least squares (2SLS) for the estimation of feedback linkages is inappropriate for nonorthogonal data sets because 2SLS is extremely sensitive to multicollinearity. It is argued that what is needed is use of a different estimating criterion than the least squares criterion. Theoretically the variance normalization criterion has…

In large-scale surveys, it is no longer uncommon for repeated measurements to be obtained from respondents and analyses performed to gauge the magnitiude of nonsampling errors. This is particularly true for periodic surveys and longitudinal surveys where a very large investment in data collection is made. This technical note, aimed at the analysis…

A Monte Carlo study was performed to test under what conditions and to what degree various alternatives would be superior to multiple linear regression (MLR). The criteria used was the mean squared error of prediction of individual scores and the mean squared error of estimation of the regression weights. Populations were simulated containing…

Factor analyses of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) was conducted. The random sample included 100 boys and 100 girls beginning at age four with increments of 6 months up to age 6 1/2. The intercorrelation matrix of the 11 WPPSI subtests at each of the age levels was factor analyzed, and the percent of common,…

This report stems from the misunderstanding of what general standardized tests and standardized admission tests can and were designed to do, and an uneasiness with certain discoveries concerning biases in the tests. Important issues such as margin of error, predictive value, social and racial bias, and the effects of coaching are the very issues…

Faced with a nonstandard, complicated practical problem in statistical inference, the applied statistician sometimes must use asymptotic approximations in order to compute standard errors and confidence intervals and to test hypotheses. This usually requires that he derive formulas for one or more asymptotic sampling variances (and covariances)…

Using a computer-based Monte Carlo approach to generate item responses, the results of this study indicate that, when item discrimination indices are considered, item-examinee sampling procedures having the same number of observations have different standard errors in estimating both test mean and test variance. With certain types of tests, a…

Published studies of the sampling distribution of chi-square with and without Yates' correction for continuity have been interpreted as discrediting the correction. Yates' correction actually produces a biased chi-square value which in turn yields a better estimate of the exact probability of the discrete event concerned when used in conjunction…

A distinction is made between reliability of measurement and reliability of classification; the "criterion-referenced reliability coefficient" describes the former. Application of this coefficient to the probability distribution of possible scores for a single student yields a meaningful way to describe the reliability of a single score. (Author)

Two statistical tools, the Chi-square and standard error approaches, are compared for use in Mendelian genetics experiments. Although the Chi-square technique is more often used, the standard error approach is to be preferred for both research investigations and student experiments. (BB)

Several important implications in latent trait theory, with implications for individualized or tailored testing, are pointed out. A way of using the information function in tailored testing in connection with the standard error estimation of the ability level using maximum likelihood estimation is suggested. (Author/JKS)

A debate concerning specific issues and the general usefulness of the Rasch latent trait test model is continued. Methods of estimation, necessary sample size, and the applicability of the model are discussed. (JKS)

For the conditions investigated in the study, the parametric ANCOVA was typically the procedure of choice both as a test of equality of conditional means and as a test of equality of conditional distributions. (Author/LMO)

Using item responses from an in-training examination in diagnostic radiology, the application of a strength of association statistic to the general problem of item analysis is illustrated. Criteria for item selection, general issues of reliability, and error of measurement are discussed. (Author/LMO)

Khuri's and Satterthwaite's methods of obtaining confidence intervals of variance components are compared. The article discusses that Khuri's method may be applied to obtain confidence intervals for the variance components and other linear functions of the expected mean squares used in generalizability theory. (Author/JAZ)