Performs factor analysis of editorial criteria reported in earlier studies of cognitive editing of arguments. Finds and discusses three main categories: effectiveness, person-centered issues, and discourse competence. Conceives of these dimensions and criteria as interactional objectives, representing the multiple goals people have during…

Principal components extraction with orthogonal and oblique rotations tested the construct validity of the Personal Profile System (PPS) using data from 1,045 senior noncommissioned Air Force officers. Four factors accounted for 85 percent of the total variance, but the results do not completely justify publisher claims for the PPS. (SLD)

Explores humor from a functional perspective. Finds three primary functions: positive affect, expressiveness, and negative affect. Finds positive relationships between positive affect humor and interpersonal competence. Supports the validity of the Uses of Humor Index. (SR)

Two forms of Holland's Hexagon Model (circular order and circumplex structure) are proposed and evaluated to demonstrate a randomization test of hypothesized order relations and confirmatory factor analysis. The models and methods are illustrated with correlation matrices based on the Unisex Edition of the ACT Interest Inventory. (Author/SK)

A reanalysis of the intercorrelation matrix from a principal components analysis of the Life Styles Inventory was conducted using a Canadian sample. Using nonmetric multidimensional scaling, analyses show an almost perfect circumplex pattern. Results illustrate the inadequacy of factor analytic procedures for the analysis and representation of a…

Designed a conceptual model to better understand the retention decision of nontraditional students, and examined the model empirically to understand the underlying factors that constitute retention decisions. Results revealed that, for nontraditional students, the reality of time constraints and academic rigor when compared with the expectations…

R. A. Bailey and J. C. Gower explored approximating a symmetric matrix "B" by another, "C," in the least squares sense when the squared discrepancies for diagonal elements receive specific nonunit weights. A solution is proposed where "C" is constrained to be positive semidefinite and of a fixed rank. (SLD)

Effects of overextracting factors and components within and between maximum likelihood factor analysis and principal components analysis were examined through computer simulation of a range of factor and component patterns. Results demonstrate similarity of component and factor scores during overextraction. Overall, results indicate that…

Examines the structure of language-learning beliefs about learning in general and beliefs specifically about language learning and explores the relationship between the two belief domains. A brief questionnaire was administered to 187 college students learning Japanese as a foreign language. Factor analyses identified five dimensions of general…

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale was factor analyzed to determine if distinct and independent "subgroups" of symptoms could be derived consistent with current multidimensional theory and nosology for autism. Five factors were identified which distinguished subjects with autism from subjects with pervasive developmental disorder not…

Reliability and construct validity, including confirmatory factor analysis, of the ASQ-T were examined. Conners's 1989 and Margalit's 1983 factor models were compared on a new sample (N=70 teachers). Psychometric properties of the ASQ-T were examined, particularly its utility as a measure of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity…

Investigates the reliability and validity of the published teacher version of the preschool Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) for Head Start children. Results of exploratory factor analyses are described and implications for continued development of the instrument are discussed. (Author/MKA)

Examines various aspects of the motives, perceptions, and expectations connected with the introduction of Internet banking in Danish retail banking. Responses from questionnaires and results from a factor analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis indicate a belief that Internet banking will become more important in the future. (Author/LRW)

The degree of invariance of the Job Responsibilities Scale for medical technologists was studied for 1993 and 1995, conducting factor analyses of data from each year (1063 and 665 individuals, respectively). Nearly identical factor patterns were found, and Rasch rating scale analyses found nearly identical pairs of item estimates. Implications are…

Examined differences in acoustic characteristics of cries, both early and late, within a prolonged crying bout. Results indicated that late cries appeared to result from a smaller number of factors than did early cries. Results support notions that crying bouts settle into a regular cry with acoustic features matching a theoretical model of cry…