R. A. Bailey and J. C. Gower explored approximating a symmetric matrix "B" by another, "C," in the least squares sense when the squared discrepancies for diagonal elements receive specific nonunit weights. A solution is proposed where "C" is constrained to be positive semidefinite and of a fixed rank. (SLD)

Effects of overextracting factors and components within and between maximum likelihood factor analysis and principal components analysis were examined through computer simulation of a range of factor and component patterns. Results demonstrate similarity of component and factor scores during overextraction. Overall, results indicate that…

Examines the structure of language-learning beliefs about learning in general and beliefs specifically about language learning and explores the relationship between the two belief domains. A brief questionnaire was administered to 187 college students learning Japanese as a foreign language. Factor analyses identified five dimensions of general…

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale was factor analyzed to determine if distinct and independent "subgroups" of symptoms could be derived consistent with current multidimensional theory and nosology for autism. Five factors were identified which distinguished subjects with autism from subjects with pervasive developmental disorder not…

Reliability and construct validity, including confirmatory factor analysis, of the ASQ-T were examined. Conners's 1989 and Margalit's 1983 factor models were compared on a new sample (N=70 teachers). Psychometric properties of the ASQ-T were examined, particularly its utility as a measure of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity…

Investigates the reliability and validity of the published teacher version of the preschool Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) for Head Start children. Results of exploratory factor analyses are described and implications for continued development of the instrument are discussed. (Author/MKA)

Examines various aspects of the motives, perceptions, and expectations connected with the introduction of Internet banking in Danish retail banking. Responses from questionnaires and results from a factor analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis indicate a belief that Internet banking will become more important in the future. (Author/LRW)

The degree of invariance of the Job Responsibilities Scale for medical technologists was studied for 1993 and 1995, conducting factor analyses of data from each year (1063 and 665 individuals, respectively). Nearly identical factor patterns were found, and Rasch rating scale analyses found nearly identical pairs of item estimates. Implications are…

Examined differences in acoustic characteristics of cries, both early and late, within a prolonged crying bout. Results indicated that late cries appeared to result from a smaller number of factors than did early cries. Results support notions that crying bouts settle into a regular cry with acoustic features matching a theoretical model of cry…

Examined the psychometric properties of a social competence scale for school-age children. Factor analyses identified two moderately correlated competence aspects, Prosocial Orientation and Social Initiative. Scale showed reliability across one year, and concurrent and predictive validity in interrater agreement; also corresponded with observed…

Three studies of college students (n=178, 129, and 96) evaluated the reliability and validity of the Assessment of Attributions for Career Decision-Making instrument. Factor analysis supported a three-factor structure. The instrument demonstrated adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct, criterion, and incremental…

This study uses 312 college students cited for under-aged drinking to replicate and validate the College Alcohol Problem Scale (CAPS). Findings demonstrate close replication in factor structure and internal consistency ratings. Subscale factors were covalidated with a measure of heavy/peak drinking. Discusses suggestions for utilizing CAPS in…

The factor structure of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was studied with a subsample of 93 bulimic women from a total sample of 110 women with eating disorders. Results suggested that the BDI appears to assess a unidimensional construct in patients with eating disorders. (SLD)

Parents of 601 children and adolescents with mental retardation rated their children on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC). Factor analysis revealed a factor structure similar to the original ABC but without the inappropriate speech factor. Analysis of subject variables revealed main effects for gender, age, and classroom assignment…

Discusses issues related to model evaluation in structural equation modeling. Supports nested model comparisons via sequential chi-square difference tests as consistent with the four-step approach to model evaluation when models of the factor analytic simultaneous equation type are entertained. (Author/SLD)