An estimate and upper-bound estimate for the reliability of a test composed of binary items is derived from the multidimensional latent trait theory of R. D. Bock and M. Aitken (1981). The practical uses of such estimates are discussed. (SLD)

Relations between latent trait and latent class models for item response data are examined. Conditions are given for two-latent class and two-parameter normal ogive models to agree, and relations between their item parameters are presented. Results are illustrated with data from the Law School Admission Test. (SLD)

Examined relationship between social system adaptive behavior, measured by Adaptive Behavior Inventory for Children, and intelligence, measured by Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, in 100 special needs students, ages 6-11. Results support existence of 2 distinct factors among instrument subscales, with each factor composed…

The existence of higher-order factors within the cognition and convergent production operations and product dimensions of the structure-of-intellect model of J. P. Guilford was investigated. Data from 240 aviation officer candidates and Naval air cadets were reanalyzed via maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis, using the LISREL program.…

Use of internal correlation for statistical analysis--as proposed by G. W. Joe and J. L. Mendoza (1989)--is discussed. Use of the bootstrap technique to deal with the distributional problem is questioned. Joe and Mendoza attempt the interpretation of the two linear composites that produce the largest internal correlation. (TJH)

The use of internal correlation for statistical analysis, as proposed by G. W. Joe and J. L. Mendoza (1989), is discussed. The suggestion of using bootstrapping is received well. Applications to collinearity are suggested. (TJH)

Attempted to verify multidimensional nature and item composition of Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) subscales through factor analysis. IRI responses from 365 female clinical dieticians and dietetic interns supported contention that IRI subscales measure four discernibly different empathy dimensions. (NB)

Investigates the behavior and characteristics of effective consultants as perceived by a large sample of classroom teachers to determine their perceptions of the consultants' effectiveness, to compare the factor structure of the scale with previous research, and to investigate how the teachers' professional and demographic characteristics were…

States that attacks by communication scholars have cast doubt on the validity of exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Tests EFA's ability to produce results that replicate known dimensions in a data set. Concludes that EFA should be viewed with cautious optimism and be evaluated according to the findings of this and similar studies. (PA)

Describes investigation examining factor structure of Supervisor Emphasis Rating Form (SERF). Factor analysis of SERF suggests presence of two underlying factors corresponding to supervisors' focus on professional behavior and process skills. Suggests revision of SERF to accommodate need for information regarding congruence between supervisor…

A model is proposed in which different sets of linear constraints are imposed on different dimensions in component analysis and classical multidimensional scaling frameworks. An algorithm is presented for fitting the model to the data by least squares. Examples demonstrate the method. (SLD)

Factor analysis of a version of the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS) and the Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) given to (n=173) introductory statistics students found 6 factors: general evaluation anxiety, everyday numerical anxiety, passive observation anxiety, performance anxiety, mathematics test anxiety, and problem-solving anxiety. (39…

Structural models that yield circumplex inequality patterns are reviewed, focusing on a model developed by T. W. Anderson (1960). A modification is proposed to this model to allow for negative correlations. This model may be reparameterized as a factor analysis model with nonlinear constraints on the factor loadings. (SLD)

The distance approach to nonlinear multivariate analysis proposed by J. J. Meulman (1986) is reviewed. Several generalizations are discussed by combining features from the conventional multivariate analysis approach, which seeks weighted sums of variables, with the alternative approach, which seeks to fit distances. (SLD)

A recent Delphi study on recreational boating safety priorities of 94 safety experts is used to illustrate the utility of applying the modified scree test to Delphi data. The scree test does not oversimplify decisions and can be applied to fairly complicated data. (SLD)