A statistical method is described and illustrated which provides confidence envelopes around item response functions. Examples of 95 percent confidence envelopes for the one-, two-, and three-parameter logistic response models are given. In addition, the authors describe N-line plots, which show the genesis of the envelope as well as the density…

Multivariate analysis techniques employ various methods of optimally weighting variables to form composites. The interpretation of these composites in subsequent analyses is rarely straightforward, fraught with difficulties based upon the statistical properites of the estimated weights. This paper synthesizes interpretive guidelines for four…

Redundancy analysis (also called principal components analysis of instrumental variables) is generalized to qualitative variables; it then gives implicitly a simultaneous "optimal" scaling of the dependent, qualitative variables. Examples are taken from the Dutch Life Situation Survey 1977. (Author/BW)

An algorithm for assessing the correspondence of one or more attribute rating variables to a symmetric matrix of dissimilarities is presented. It is useful as an alternative to fitting property variables into a multidimensional scaling space. The relation between the matrix and the variables is determined by evaluating pairs of pairs relations.…

Limitations of dummy coding and nonsense coding as methods of coding categorical variables for use as predictors in multiple regression analysis are discussed. The combination of these approaches often yields estimates and tests of significance that are not intended by researchers for inclusion in their models. (SLD)

Response to Freedman's critique of path analysis discusses appropriate ways to represent social processes in numerical form and the use of path analysis to achieve that goal. Discusses two main issues: the selection of variables and whether multiple regression can be used to model social processes. (RB)

The use of semiparametric models may require incorporating additional functions which do not vary across distributions and may require expressing the models in terms of the joint distribution of response class and response time. (Author/LMO)

The Johnson-Neyman (JN) technique is a parametric alternative to analysis of covariance that permits nonparallel regression lines. This article presents computer programs for J-N using the transformational languages of SPSS-X and SAS. The programs are designed for two groups and one covariate. (Author/JAZ)

Regression techniques are used frequently to analyze the relationships between university activity variables and the needs for different categories of resources. The least median of squares (LMS) technique is discussed. The parameters of some regression equations are reestimated by means of this robust regression technique. (Author/MLW)

The extension of regression estimation and poststratification to factor analysis is considered. These methods may be used either to improve the efficiency of estimation or to adjust for the effects of nonrandom selection. The estimation procedure may be formulated in a LISTREL framework. (Author/LMO)

Describes the workings of a simple two-way table of employment status by sex and extends this table to include school enrollment status by sex, race, and high school graduation status using logistic regression techniques. (JOW)

Described is a classroom demonstration of the regression toward the mean effect. The demonstration is highly concrete and strictly psychological in nature. It may be used in both small and large classes and does not assume any statistical background. (Author/RM)

This manual and the accompanying software are intended to provide a step-by-step guide to conducting a meta-analytic study along with references for further reading and free high-quality software, "Meta-Stat.""Meta-Stat" is a comprehensive package designed to help in the meta-analysis of research studies in the social and behavioral sciences.…

New models of graphing calculators arrive on a regular basis. Texas Instruments alone introduced 8 models in a 10 year period. At many schools it is impractical or impossible to have every student use the same model and often different brands as well as different models are used in the same classroom. This situation brings about both advantages…

Despite repeated discussions of the dangers of covariance corrections, the use of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) continues in situations that should preclude its use. Because the use of ANCOVA is particularly appealing in much counseling research (in which groups are often intact and sample sizes are often small for treatment interventions), the…