The multivariate stochastic processes associated with the Marshall-Olkin multivariate exponential distribution are shown to be able to generate several models of similarity or preference data in the literature. (JKS)

An evaluation of several clustering methods was conducted in which an artificially generated true cluster structure was hidden by the addition of various errors. Results for hierarchical models were mixed, but two nonhierarchical procedures produced satisfactory recovery of clusters and sufficient robustness with respect to various error types.…

Briefly describes new mathematical applications to geological problems, such as the modeling of geological processes, automatic map interpretation, and segmenting sequential data. (MLH)

Various types of finite mixtures of confirmatory factor analysis models are proposed for handling data heterogeneity. Proposed classes of mixture models differ in their unique representations of data heterogeneity, and three sampling schemes for these mixtures are distinguished. Advantages of the Approximate Scoring method are outlined. (SLD)

Reflects on the development of the unidimensional Rasch model for ordered categories and the resistance to some of its initially counterintuitive implications, especially that the thresholds that partition the continuum to form the ordered categories can show an empirical problem with the data. (SLD)

Log-linear analysis (LLA) techniques for categorical variables are demonstrated and evaluated using data from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Symmetrical LLA and asymmetrical LLA address questions of association and inference, respectively. Configural frequency analysis is examined as a strategy for whole types research. LLA approaches seem…

Discusses sequential patterns, data mining, knowledge acquisition, and fuzzy sequential patterns described by natural language. Proposes a fuzzy data mining technique to discover fuzzy sequential patterns by using the simple partition method which allows the linguistic interpretation of each fuzzy set to be easily obtained. (Author/LRW)

Concepts of ordinal network representation are discussed. Notation (the type of data that can be represented) and the type of representation given are reviewed. The idea of reduced ordinal networks is explored; and the algorithm, uniqueness results, and error handling problems are presented. Examples of data analysis are included. (SLD)

An algorithm is described for fitting the DEDICOM model (proposed by R. A. Harshman in 1978) for the analysis of asymmetric data matrices. The method modifies a procedure proposed by Y. Takane (1985) to provide guaranteed monotonic convergence. The algorithm is based on a technique known as majorization. (SLD)

Longitudinal panel data examples are used to illustrate estimation methods for individual growth curve models. These examples demonstrate issues and concerns in the application of hierarchical modeling estimation, specifically the hierarchical linear models of A. S. Bryk and S. W. Raudenbush. (SLD)

Reviews entities that can be factored, with emphasis on Q-technique analyses. Explains basic rationale for Q-technique factor analysis, offers guidelines regarding use of Q-technique factor analysis, presents studies to illustrate applications of Q-technique factor analysis, and discusses special considerations with regard to Q-technique factor…

Notes that existence of substantial correlation between two or more independent variables creates problems of multicollinearity in multiple regression. Discusses multicollinearity problem in social work research in which independent variables are usually intercorrelated. Clarifies problems created by multicollinearity, explains detection of…

Discusses several issues that pertain to analysis of data from repeated measurements designs. Notes that necessity for assumption concerning uniformity of correlations can be avoided by calculating linear and/or nonlinear trend scores. Discusses advantages of separately calculated trend scores. Proposes conservative criterion for use of one-sided…

Illustrates use of time-series designs for determining efficacy of interventions with fictitious data describing drug-abuse prevention program. Discusses problems and procedures associated with time-series data analysis using Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Averages (ARIMA) models. Example illustrates application of ARIMA analysis for…

Examines data from five studies that compared the efficacy of standard approaches to counseling for depression with religion-accommodative approaches. There was no evidence that the religion-accommodative approaches were more or less efficacious than standard approaches. Findings suggest that the choice to use religious approaches is probably more…