In order to make the parallel analysis criterion for determining the number of factors in factor analysis easy to use, regression equations for predicting the logarithms of the latent roots of random correlation matrices, with squared multiple correlations on the diagonal, are presented. (Author/JKS)

The study used a multivariate approach to examine the relationships between stimulus presentation mode and cognitive structure. (BD)

Structural changes in an English as a Second Language (ESL) 30-item reading comprehension test were examined through principal components analysis on a small sample (n=31) of students. Tests were administered on three occasions during intensive ESL training. Principal components analysis of the items was performed for each test occasion.…

An approach that is currently gaining popularity in educational measurement is one that treats item response theory (IRT) as a special case of nonlinear factor analysis (NLFA). A brief overview is provided of some of the research that has examined the relationship between IRT and NLFA. Three NLFA models are outlined, emphasizing their major…

The Type I error and power properties of the parametric F test and three nonparametric competitors were compared in terms of 3 x 4 factorial analysis of covariance layout. The focus of the study was on the test for interaction either in the presence or absence of main effects. A variety of conditional distributions, sample sizes, levels of variate…

This study explored two methods that are used to assess the dimensionality of item response data. The paper begins with a discussion of the assessment dimensionality and the use of factor-analytic procedures. A number of problems associated with using linear factor analyses to assess dimensionality are also considered. A procedure is presented for…

The concepts of quantitative and structural change are considered from a multivariate perspective. A hybrid of these two types of change, quantistructural change, is described. (CS)

Dimensional continuity was examined in adolescents in grades 7, 9, and 11. Demonstrated changes in dimensional configurations raise challenging issues for longitudinal study practices that assume uniform interpretability of the same scales at differing developmental stages. (ST)

Factors identified for middle-class youngsters were found to be remarkably similar to those generated by their lower-class counterparts. (Authors)

Describes the techniques used to construct the Inventory of Societal Issues,'' and describes the seven scales that constitute the battery. All scales reflect environmental issues related to science and technology. (AL)

Purpose of this note is to point to an obvious but useful relationship by which estimation of individual factor scores can be omitted when obtaining relationships between factors and an external set of variables. (Author)

An algorithm, based upon factor analytic theory, is presented to illustrate one solution to the problem of selecting items for a test. (Authors)