Describes a study that investigated the affective responses of 83 subjects at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to 2 versions of a hypertext-based bibliographic retrieval system. The utility of using factor analysis to explore subjects' search experiences is explained, and the effects of different types of linkages are compared. (Author/LRW)

The latent trait-state model for estimating stable and changing components of depressive symptomatology in adolescents was studied by investigating the factorial structure of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale on 4 occasions with 805 high school students. Findings are discussed with regard to depressive mood fluctuations among…

A model of parental inducement of academic self-regulation was tested with 105 elementary school students who were surveyed to assess their perceptions of parental influences on their academic self-regulation and their own self-regulatory behavior. Findings indicate the importance of parental inducement to academic self-regulation. (SLD)

Components identified with social and academic integration in high school were studied with 506 students using a scale developed by E. T. Pascarella and P. T. Terenzini (1980). Principal components analysis with orthogonal rotation identified seven meaningful dimensions and supported the usefulness of the scale. (SLD)

The psychometric characteristics of the Henderson Environmental Learning Process Scale (HELPS) were studied with 385 parents of school-aged children. Factor analysis provided a conceptually meaningful six-factor solution, but internal consistency reliabilities of scores on three factors were unacceptably low. With some modifications, the HELPS…

Reliability and construct and criterion-related validity of scores on the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale--Teacher Version were studied with 151 teachers of 1,766 elementary school students and 30 teachers of 131 students. Factor analysis confirmed a four-factor structure. Results support the measure's internal consistency and convergent…

Evaluated the ethological approach in studying children's interactions and play in an Australian preschool. Factor analysis yielded a gender-linked factor loading on looking and playing house, a physical activity factor, and a sociability factor. Findings suggest that though time consuming and labor-intensive, this approach can provide unique…

A brief structural analysis of instructional variables assessed levels of task engagement and self-aggression behavior in a seven-year- old child with multiple disabilities. Results indicated increased levels of task-engagement and reduced levels of self-aggression as stepwise changes in treatment components occurred, validating use of structural…

This study surveyed 10,909 adolescents to probe aggressive attitudes among victims of school violence. Victims with aggressive attitudes were more likely to report they had carried weapons, used alcohol, or engaged in fights at school. Both victims and non-victims with aggressive attitudes reported lower grades and fewer supportive adults at…

This study investigated birth risk factors for school-identified specific language impairment among 244,619 students. Very low birth weight, low 5-min Apgar scores, late or no prenatal care, high birth order and low maternal education were associated with high individual-level risk, and low maternal education and unmarried mothers were associated…

Behavior states and related developmental and medical variables were observed for 34 infants with severe cognitive and multiple disabilities for their first four years. Findings demonstrated emerging state profiles consistent with those found among older populations in previous studies. Results suggest the need for specific, early interventions…

Developed and tested the psychometric properties of the 38-item Self Description Questionnaire for Preschoolers. Found that the scale was reliable for young children, first-order and higher order confirmatory factor analysis models fit the data, and factor correlations were mostly moderate. Achievement test scores correlated moderately with…

Discusses ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) designs with nested factors as an option for addressing unit of analysis issues when conducting group research. These principles can be extended to more complex designs involving multiple treatment factors where groups are either nested or crossed with these factors. (Author/TE)

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and its potential use for research and evaluation in health-related professions are discussed. Useful data types, interpretation of results, and various applications of MDS are presented. MDS is less restrictive than factor analysis since it does not assume a linear relationship between the objects/variables of…

Examined factor structure of Conners Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS) in medically referred brain-damaged and learning-disabled children and adolescents. Extracted six factors: Conduct Disorder, Hyperkinesis, Distractibility, Depression, Dyssocial Behavior, and Introversion. Results support use of CTRS as brief objective instrument for assessing child…