The present study compared six methods, two of which utilize the content structure of items, to estimate total-test scores using 450 students and 60 items of the 110-item Stanford Mental Arithmetic Test. Three methods yielded fairly good estimates of the total-test score. (Author/RL)

A grid system utilizing township sections was employed as a functional locator for the random sample selection for a health consumer survey on the Reservation. This paper reports the experience and observations relevant to utilizing these area sampling techniques on the Reservation and, perhaps, to other rural areas as well. (DS)

Attempts to determine objectively, by means of a word list containing specific sexual terms, which aspects of sex most interest young adolescents, and how the females and males differ in their interests. (Author/RK)

The different components of air monitoring networks, the status of air monitoring in the United States, and the services and activities of the three major American network builders are detailed. International air monitoring networks and alert systems are identified, with emphasis on the Dutch air monitoring network. (BT)

The self-selection problem in program evaluation is explored, and two ways of addressing it, covariate control approaches and two-stage sample selection models, are described. A longitudinal study of the effects of participation in Alcoholics Anonymous illustrates both approaches and shows the advantages of the two-step procedure. (SLD)

Reviews alternative ways to establish goals for early intervention for children with disabilities, based on ecological theory. The ecological foundations of early intervention are discussed and an overview of sampling tactics and dimensions is presented. Recommendations are made for using planned activities for intervention design. (CR)

Two estimators of effect size that are based on the sample quartiles are proposed and studied. One is for the situation where a treatment effect is evaluated against a control group, and the other is for a situation in which two parallel treatments are compared. Both are illustrated and evaluated. (SLD)

Investigates whether there is any relationship between an examinee's ability and choice of wrong alternatives when the correct answer is not chosen. Analyzes some constructed-responses data. (Author/KHR)

Describes a study that analyzed a sample of library and information science journal citations from 1985-88 to determine authors' institutional affiliations. Authors from the private sector, academic librarians, and library and information science faculty are discussed, and suggestions for further research are given. (eight references) (LRW)

Uses imaginary tools to create distributions of sample means, the differences among them, the mean difference scores, and the raw score populations. Using this technique helps students grasp the distinctions between them. Generalizes to hypothesis testing aids in answering probability questions, and enhances teaching techniques. (Author/NL)

Recently, C. E. McCulloch (1987) suggested a modification of the Morgan-Pitman test for comparing the variances of two dependent groups. This paper demonstrates that there are situations where the procedure is not robust. A subsample approach, similar to the Box-Scheffe test, and the Sandvik-Olsson procedure are also assessed. (TJH)

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…

The distinction between two models of reliability is clarified. Reliability may be conceived of and estimated from a true score model or from the perspective of sampling precision. Basic models are developed and illustrated for each approach using data from the author's work on measuring organizational climate. (SLD)

Describes a one-week lesson in which gummy-bears candy was used to illustrate sampling procedures and to generate discussion and questions. Reports data results and students' reactions to problems of representation after holding an election. (MKR)

An exploratory study of 192 homeless shelters in 29 cities used structural equation analysis to analyze characteristics of organizational and service delivery systems. The resulting model showed that services offered by the shelters are best understood as being influenced by organizational structure mediated through the organization's relationship…