By centralizing the issue of test fairness in language proficiency assessments, this study responds to a call by researchers for developing greater social responsibility in the language testing agenda. As inquiries into language attitude and psychology indicate, there is an underlying uncertainty pertaining to the validity of test use and score…

An illustration of a test for independence was provided with a mixed set of variables. The matrix consisted of 10 tests of interest and four random deviates in which the relationship between sets was demonstrated to be minimal. The result was discussed for a situation in which factoring methods might be considered. (Author)

This paper briefly explains the logic underlying the basic calculations employed in canonical correlation analysis. A small hypothetical data set is employed to illustrate that canonical correlation analysis subsumes both univariate and multivariate parametric methods. Several real data sets are employed to illustrate other themes. Three common…

As the literature indicates, no method is presently available which takes explicitly into account that the parameters of Lazarsfeld's latent class analysis are defined as probabilities and are therefore restricted to the interval (0,1). An appropriate transform on the parameters is presented in order to satisfy this constraint. (Author/JKS)

Methods for rotating factor analysis matrices to a least squares fit with a specified structure are discussed. Existing solutions are shown to be not valid in some cases or to not work when matrices are not of full rank. A general solution is derived, addressing both issues. (Author/JKS)

A common problem in factor analytic research is determining the number of factors to be extracted. A comprehensive evaluation of the two most commonly used approaches is presented. The authors conclude that the scree criterion is definitely superior to the Kaiser-Guttman criterion. (JKS)

Guilford has argued that factor analysis is not adequate for demonstrating meaningful higher-order factors in his structure of Intellect (SOI) model. Study investigates the validity of this claim. (RB)

Presents a scoring system and factor analysis for the Reitan-Indiana Aphasia Screening Test. Eight content categories were clinically identified and scored. The interrelationships of these content areas were explored by factor analysis. The analysis revealed two major factors, a general language abilities factor and a sensorimotor coordination…

The author summarizes findings on higher-order factors involved in divergent production, and considers implications for the structure of the intellect model. (CL)

Some effects of using inappropriate criteria for sufficiency of factors are discussed, and examples from the literature are used to show how procedures leading to the rotation of large numbers of factors may result in fragmentation and difficulty in interpretation. (Author/JKS)

This paper presents four methods for determining the number of factors to retain: (1) determining an eigenvalue greater than unity (K1); (2) the scree test; (3) the minimum average parallel approach; and (4) parallel analysis. Three of the four methods are illustrated through an example. Although the eigenvalue greater than unity and the scree…