Standard errors and bias of unidimensional and multidimensional ability estimates were compared in a factorial, simulation design with two item response theory (IRT) approaches, two levels of test correlation (0.42 and 0.63), two sample sizes (500 and 1,000), and a hierarchical test content structure. Bias and standard errors of subtest scores…

It is argued that analysis of variance (ANOVA) and related methods should be taught using a general linear model (GLM) approach, rather than a classical ordinary sums of squares approach. The GLM approach emphasizes the linkages among conventional parametric methods, emphasizing that all classical parametric methods are least squares procedures…

The empirical performance of the technique proposed by P. O. Johnson and J. Neyman (1936) (the JN technique) and the modification of R. F. Potthoff (1964) was studied in simulated data settings. The robustness of the two JN techniques was investigated with respect to their ability to control Type I and Type III errors. Factors manipulated in the…

The performance of the following four methodologies for assessing unidimensionality was examined: (1) DIMTEST; (2) the approach of P. W. Holland and P. R. Rosenbaum; (3) linear factor analysis; and (4) non-linear factor analysis. Each method is examined and compared with other methods using simulated data sets and real data sets. Seven data sets,…

This yearbook provides the mathematics education community with specific perceptions about discrete mathematics concerning its importance, its composition at various grade levels, and ideas about how to teach it. Many practical suggestions with respect to the implementation of a discrete mathematics school program are included. A unifying thread…

Missing data for a given cohort of students in a longitudinal study occurs for at least two reasons: either the student has moved or otherwise become unavailable for testing, or the cohort was not in the testing range at a given testing time. A developmental sampling for time of testing x cohort x grade research plan of testing is used to…

Appropriateness measurement is a general approach to the problem caused by multiple choice tests failing to measure accurately the ability of atypical examinees. The conceptual framework of appropriateness measurement is presented, and several statistical indices of the appropriateness of a multiple choice test for an examinee are noted. A series…

This study examines the application of the marginal maximum likelihood (MML) EM algorithm to the parameter estimation problem of the three-parameter normal ogive and logistic polychotomous item response models. A three-parameter normal ogive model, the Graded Response model, has been developed on the basis of Samejima's two-parameter graded…

The author discusses some approaches to assessing the impact of inaccurate information when the planning system involves formulae of the management accounting type or models of the operational research variety. The most appropriate method for quantifying information value in management information systems is through Bayesian analysis and decision…

A study was conducted to describe the segments of the U.S. labor force that have been affected by the recent deterioration in U.S. trade. The methodology involved computer modeling of the effects of eliminating the 1987 merchandise trade deficit on employment by detailed industry and occupation, by geographic region, and by wage group. This was…

Several multivariate statistical methodologies have been proposed to ensure objective and quantitative evaluation of the multitrait-multimethod matrix. The paper examines the performance of confirmatory factor analysis and covariance component models. It is shown, both empirically and formally, that confirmatory factor analysis is not a reliable…

Because the test information function and its two modified formulas provide useful information, the reliability coefficient of a test is no longer necessary in modern mental test theory. Yet it is interesting to know how to predict the coefficient using the test information function and its modifications, tailored for each separate population of…

The purpose of this paper is to link empirical Bayes methods with two specific topics in item response theory--item/subtest regression, and testing the goodness of fit of the Rasch model--under the assumptions of local independence and sufficiency. It is shown that item/subtest regression results in empirical Bayes estimates only if the Rasch…

A component analytic method for analyzing multivariate longitudinal data is presented that does not make strong assumptions about the structure of the data. Central to the method are the facts that components are derived as linear composites of the observed or manifest variables and that the components must provide an adequate representation of…

The 1986 scores from the Statewide Student Assessment Test-II, a minimum-competency test required for high school graduation in Florida, were placed on the scale of the 1984 scores from that test using five different equating procedures: (1) linear method; (2) Rasch model; (3) three-parameter item response theory (IRT)--concurrent method; (4)…