To determine the public's responses to the 1988 presidential debates, the System for the Multiple Level Observation of Groups (SYMLOG) was used to analyze how values positions connected to interpersonal styles. Subjects, 157 students from either a mid-sized Southern university or a large Midwestern university and 21 non-students drawn from people…

The use of Bayesian decision theory to solve problems in test-based decision making is discussed. Four basic decision problems are distinguished: (1) selection; (2) mastery; (3) placement; and (4) classification, the situation where each treatment has its own criterion. Each type of decision can be identified as a specific configuration of one or…

The information reported in this document characterizes libraries in California through statistical tables, profiling each library within the appropriate library type (public, academic, special, state agency, and county law). The data were gathered though the annual report forms for fiscal year 1985-1986 that were returned by 967 libraries of an…

This survey primarily examined partnerships between public schools and outside sponsors in 1987-88. Only entities whose primary focus was not elementary or secondary education were considered to be outside sponsors. The survey specifically focused on the number of public schools participating in education partnerships, the number of partnerships,…

This report of the results of the 1987 survey of higher education libraries in Oklahoma begins by briefly describing the development and refinement of the annual survey instrument used to help determine the needs of these libraries. The data tables and analyses are then presented by type of institution, i.e., 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges, and…

An analysis of the findings in 70 U.S. and foreign studies that compare male and female students' performance on tests of cognitive functioning was conducted. The studies were reported in various science and psychology journals between 1965 and 1981. Overall, the results showed small but consistent gender differences, with males scoring slightly…

To compile information on state and school district standardized testing programs, a survey instrument was designed and sent to 135 members of the National Association of Test Directors (NATD). Seventy responses (52%) were received in time to be included in the compilation. Most participating school districts (n=61, 87%) had a program mandated by…

This paper reports the status of the Profile of School Excellence (PRO-S/E) after three years use and the results of a second validation study. The PRO-S/E, used in over 20 school districts in six states, is a diagnostic system school districts use to determine strengths and weaknesses based on 11 characteristics of effective schools. Data is…

A study was conducted at William Rainey Harper college (WRHC) in Illinois to provide basic institutional data about student performance over time. Data were obtained on performance and achievement at WRHC by following samples of 200 full-time and 200 part-time students in successive classes between 1974 and 1984. Study findings revealed: (1) the…

The general linear model was described, and the influence that measurement errors have on model parameters was discussed. In particular, the assumptions of classical true-score theory were used to develop algebraic relationships between the squared multiple correlations coefficient and the regression coefficients in the infallible and fallible…

The final product of the Wisconsin Special Users Needs Assessment project initiated in the summer of 1984, this report outlines how library systems have worked with hard-to-reach and underserved populations over the past 10 years. The document is divided into three parts. Based on a review of the systems' annual plans and evaluations for the past…

An estimated 44,340 longer term resident households in rural Kentucky were studied to identify the variables that explained changes in household income status between 1974-79. In a nine-county area of south-central Kentucky, rapid employment growth between 1974 and 1979 created new job opportunities, but employment growth did not benefit all…

This profile contains tables and charts which provide baseline information on the Pacific Region school systems. The Region comprises the State of Hawaii, the Territories of American Samoa and Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Belau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.…

The use of a three-parameter logistic model for applying latent trait theory has become more popular because of the availability of computer programs. The program Logist 5 can be used not only for the item parameter estimation in the three-parameter logistic model, but also in the two parameter logistic model by setting the third parameter equal…

This book describes various aspects of the historical development of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The first chapter, entitled "Origins," sketches the factors leading up to authorization of the BLS in June 1884. A chapter entitled "Carroll Wright: Setting the Course" discusses the views and contributions of the BLS's…