An item-response model for binary response data exhibiting the bi-factor structure is derived, and a practical parameter estimation method is developed. The model, which provides an alternate to the traditional conditionally independent unidimensional item response theory model, is illustrated with an example from psychiatric research. (SLD)

Three methods for grouping items in an opinion survey were compared for their utility in subscale construction: rational organization according to content, factor analysis, and multidimensional scaling. Only subscales based on factor analysis could be refined to meet the criteria of reliability, additivity, and interpretability simultaneously. (SV)

Explores the factor structure underlying communication behaviors in employment interviews, and the effects of interviewer gender and age. Reveals six dimensions of influential communication factors: resourcefulness, written credentials, support for arguments, social attributes, comportment, and style. (SR)

The Student's Orientation Questionnaire was completed by three groups of adults (n=384, 292, 109). Rather than a continuum, the relationship between andragogy and pedagogy was orthogonal. Learners could be categorized in four stages depending on whether andragogical and pedagogical orientation was low or high. (SK)

To assess and evaluate current practices in agricultural education research, papers in the "Journal of Agricultural Education" (n=9) and the "Proceedings of the National Agricultural Education Research Meeting" (n=13) were examined for studies that used factor analysis. Results indicate that many agricultural educators lack a…

Students representing 3 age groups (11, 14, and 17 years) evaluated speeches containing masculine, feminine, or gender-inclusive forms of person reference. At age 11, both sexes upgraded the masculine over the feminine form, but older females upgraded feminine forms relative to masculine ones. Gender-inclusive forms were equally or more positively…

Event-related potentials (ERPs) and reaction time (RT) were recorded concurrently during performance of 6 simple cognitive tasks by 30 right-handed women who varied in mental ability. Results suggest that ERPs and RT may assess stimulus evaluation time and the response-production time components of cognitive information processing. (Author/SLD)

Questionnaires completed by 154 Croatian professionals involved with abused children and 152 Croatian individuals without such involvement were analyzed in terms of attitudes toward conditions, causes, and reactions to child abuse; congruency of factor structures; attitude intensity toward child abuse; and influence of individual characteristics…

The composite direct-product model for the multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) matrix is reparamaterized as a second-order factor analysis model. This process facilitates the use of widely available computer programs--LISREL and LISCOMP--for fitting the model. If bounds on phi and theta are not imposed to avoid inadmissible values, convergence problems…

Used confirmatory methodology to examine reliability and validity of Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-III in 922 families with children with disabilities. The Cohesion Scale proposed by instrument authors remained intact. The original Adaptability Scale was divided into two scales, Adaptability focusing on leadership and family…

Provides empirical evidence about the relationship between policies and practices and the incidence and outcomes of work disability, controlling for organizational factors. Describes the employer self-assessment survey instrument designed for the study and the eight independent variables explored within Michigan establishments (N=220) in seven…

Describes a method for evaluating results of Procrustean rotation to a target factor pattern matrix in exploratory factor analysis. The approach, based on the bootstrap method, yields empirical approximations of the sampling distributions of: (1) differences between target elements and rotated factor pattern matrices; and (2) the overall…

Studied the factorial validity of scores on the Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment (R. Clark, 1985) for a normative population of approximately 359 mothers and their 12-month-old infants. All subscale scores demonstrate high levels of internal consistency, and evidence is found for convergent and discriminant validity. (SLD)

The correlations of test scores between the Woodcock-Johnson-Revised (WJ-R) and the Kaufman Adolescent and Adults Intelligence Test (KAIT) were factor analyzed to test the replicability of the contemporary Horn-Cattell Gf-Gc model in a non-White sample. Results provided support for the use of the Gf-Gc theory in a non-White sample and interpreting…

Discusses two criticisms raised by L. Hayduk and D. Glaser of the most commonly used point estimate of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSEA) and points out misconceptions in their discussion. Although there are apparent flaws in their arguments, the RMSEA is open to question for several other reasons. (SLD)