Literature on foreign language anxiety shows a considerable amount of ambiguity arising from conflicting results of past studies. An attempt is made to show that these difficulties can be resolved given an awareness of the theoretical perspective from which this research has developed. (Author/VWL)

A model is proposed for empirically testing the appropriateness of using tetrachoric correlations for a set of dichotomous variables. A testing method is proposed that uses information from trivariate marginal tables. Assumptions are tested with real and simulated data. (SLD)

Data from 255 normal individuals were factor analyzed. Variables included subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), the Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test (KAIT), and two new brief measures. Results are interpreted in the context of previous Horn analyses of the KAIT and WAIS-R. (SLD)

This article considers the impact of missing data arising from balanced incomplete block (BIB) spiraled designs on the chi-square goodness-of-fit test in factor analysis. The new approach is shown to outperform the pairwise available case method for continuous variables and to be comparatively better for dichotomous variables. (SLD)

Relative prevalence of stereotyped behaviors was studied with 246 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Two staff members completed a 54-item checklist assessing stereotyped behaviors, abnormal focused affections, compulsions, rigidity, savant skills, and defensiveness. Factor analyses produced weak evidence for a general stereotypy…

Reacts to previous arguments regarding verbal and performance constructs of Wechsler Scales. Contends that general factor model is more plausible representation of data for these scales. Suggests issue is moot when considered in regards to practical applications. Supports analysis of needed skills and instructional environments in educational…

In the research of environmental impact assessment (EIA), the problem of weight distribution for a set of parameters has not yet been properly solved. Presents an approach of objective weighting by using a procedure of Pij principal component-factor analysis (Pij PCFA), which suits specifically those parameters measured directly by physical…

A Monte Carlo experiment was conducted to investigate the performance of bootstrap methods in normal theory maximum likelihood factor analysis when the distributional assumption was satisfied or unsatisfied. Problems arising with the use of bootstrap methods are highlighted. (SLD)

An item-response model for binary response data exhibiting the bi-factor structure is derived, and a practical parameter estimation method is developed. The model, which provides an alternate to the traditional conditionally independent unidimensional item response theory model, is illustrated with an example from psychiatric research. (SLD)

Three methods for grouping items in an opinion survey were compared for their utility in subscale construction: rational organization according to content, factor analysis, and multidimensional scaling. Only subscales based on factor analysis could be refined to meet the criteria of reliability, additivity, and interpretability simultaneously. (SV)

Explores the factor structure underlying communication behaviors in employment interviews, and the effects of interviewer gender and age. Reveals six dimensions of influential communication factors: resourcefulness, written credentials, support for arguments, social attributes, comportment, and style. (SR)

The Student's Orientation Questionnaire was completed by three groups of adults (n=384, 292, 109). Rather than a continuum, the relationship between andragogy and pedagogy was orthogonal. Learners could be categorized in four stages depending on whether andragogical and pedagogical orientation was low or high. (SK)

To assess and evaluate current practices in agricultural education research, papers in the "Journal of Agricultural Education" (n=9) and the "Proceedings of the National Agricultural Education Research Meeting" (n=13) were examined for studies that used factor analysis. Results indicate that many agricultural educators lack a…

Students representing 3 age groups (11, 14, and 17 years) evaluated speeches containing masculine, feminine, or gender-inclusive forms of person reference. At age 11, both sexes upgraded the masculine over the feminine form, but older females upgraded feminine forms relative to masculine ones. Gender-inclusive forms were equally or more positively…

Event-related potentials (ERPs) and reaction time (RT) were recorded concurrently during performance of 6 simple cognitive tasks by 30 right-handed women who varied in mental ability. Results suggest that ERPs and RT may assess stimulus evaluation time and the response-production time components of cognitive information processing. (Author/SLD)