Frequency-of-circulation distributions from 16 United Kingdom libraries participating in initial period of operation of the Public Lending Right are discussed. Differences between the libraries are highlighted, and, for each, the adequacy of various refinements of the simplest model (geometric distribution, negative binomial distribution, or mixed…

Describes the Archive Retrieval and Analysis System (ARRAS), which provides rapid access to textual data and fast, flexible, open-ended analysis of individual texts; explains why the system should be viewed as a new kind of working environment; and suggests that such systems may influence users' intellectual point of view. (MBR)

The use of Bayesian theory to connect ordinal data and ordered scale points with the theory of order statistics is presented. Exact and approximate multivariate and marginal densities for the scale points are derived. (Author/JKS)

Review of recent developments in statistical theories for social sciences highlights Haitun's statistical distributions, Laplace's "Law of Succession" and distribution, Laplace and Bradford analysis of book-index data, inefficiency of frequency distribution analysis, Laws of Bradford and Zipf, natural categorization, and Bradford Law and…

Fifth-grade students (n=154) were given the Group Embedded Figures Test. Distribution characteristics and sex differences were examined. Earlier norms developed for adult samples are substantially different from those of a sample of children. The norms presented here provide a guide for identification of field dependence in children. (Author)

This study investigated the validity of Hayes's formula for converting rank-ordered Rokeach Values data to a normal distribution theoretically achieved through the use of rated data. Findings support the validity of Hayes's formula and expand the analytic possibilities of data collected on the Rokeach instrument. (Author/PN)

The interpretation of significant left-tailed analysis of variance (ANOVA) F-ratios is supported by considering the case of a fixed effects ANOVA model. The conclusions of this case are generalizable to other standard ANOVA models. (Author/PN)

Develops an empirical model for predicting the size of an information store necessary to satisfy specified levels of demand. A method for selecting items for retirement with the least adverse impact on the store is suggested. Three tables, three figures, and a 10-item reference list are included. (Author/JL)

Demonstrates, with an example, a relatively simple method for fitting Bradford's law to empirical data to estimate the number of journals and articles in a subject collection. An exact discrete formulation illustrates Bradford's law as a special case of the Zipf-Mandlebrot "rank frequency" law. (Author/RAA)

Proposes an error gravity/distribution factor to give a mathematically consistent evaluation method to error analysis. Such an approach assumes that "seriousness" of error is related to frequency of output and not to notions of degree of communicative difficulty. Distribution of error type is also taken into account. (PJM)

Data from national samples from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 were used to study gender differences in mathematics achievement. Gender differences were not found when total group means were compared, but noteworthy differences favoring males were found at the high end of the score distributions. (SLD)

Presents a single framework for conducting topic analysis that performs both topic identification and text segmentation. Key characteristics of the framework are: representing a topic by means of a cluster of words closely related to the topic; and employing a stochastic model, called a finite mixture model, to represent a word distribution within…

Discusses the interdependencies between parameter estimation and properties of probabilistic models, such as dependency assumptions, binary vs. nonbinary features, and estimation sample selection. An optimum estimation for binary features applicable to information retrieval is defined, a method for computing this estimation using empirical data is…

Argues that a major difficulty in using Lotka's law in information science arises from the misuse of goodness of fit tests in parameter estimation. Three approaches for studying Lotka's law are presented: an index approach, a time series approach, and a generating mechanism incorporating these two influential variables to derive an equilibrium…

Describes a five-number summary which is a display of the minimum value, lower quartile, median, upper quartile, and maximum value. Indicates how to draw box plots as graphical representations of a five-number summary. (YP)