How log-linear models for multiwave longitudinal data can be used to test hypotheses relating to stagelike relationships between variables is demonstrated using data from research on adolescent cigarette and marijuana experimentation. Results with 2,658 adolescents show that the multiwave analyses allow the testing of several hypotheses. (SLD)

Describes the creation of a unidimensional testing instrument designed to measure the emotional support in relationships. Suggests that perceptions of emotional support would be positively correlated to perceptions of relational solidarity and relational equality. States that the final test consisted of 13 communication-based items with high…

Discusses advantages and limitations of online exams, describes available software tools for creating computer-based tests (CGI, JavaScript, commercial programs, course authoring tools), and offers suggestions for implementation. (JOW)

Developed and investigated a goodness-of-fit statistic that considers the uncertainty with which ability is estimated and a resampling-based hypothesis testing procedure. Simulation study results indicate that the procedure should be useful for evaluating goodness-of-fit item response theory models for most testing applications when uncertainty in…

Syntactic processing was explored in nine individuals who stutter (IWS). Grammaticality judgments and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were obtained while participants read sentences, half containing verb-agreement violations, via computer or paper. Judgment accuracy of IWS for the online task, but not offline, was lower, especially for more…

Pediatric occupational therapists (n=59) were surveyed to identify assessments to evaluate functional performance that accommodate special needs of children with pervasive developmental disorders. Fifty-two assessments were identified. The study highlights the need for practice parameters that would guide the assessment process and create…

Provides an update on the current status of high stakes testing and accountability programs in the United States, conducts a review of important litigation related to high stakes accountability, and highlights best practices for policy makers based on the development of the Arkansas accountability program. (SLD)

Revisions to Internet standards, the Next Generation Internet Protocol (IPng), will be tested with initiatives such as Internet II, a high-speed Internet being developed by a consortium of universities, and the vBNS, a National Science Foundation and MCI project. Argues that librarians should be aware of these changes if they want to participate…

Proposes a conceptual framework for analyzing students' knowledge of programming. The idea is to integrate three types of programming knowledge from educational computing literature with three forms of knowledge from cognitive psychology literature. A study is described that determined types of knowledge required to answer exam questions, and…

Describes a study that investigated the effectiveness of prototypes of interactive learning environments used for independent learning in the Open University of the Netherlands and the University of Ghent (Belgium). The prototypes differ in the extent that they support interactivity in embedded support devices (ESDs) and the degree of…

Linking scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to statewide test results was studied. Results based on an equipercentile procedure suggest that such a link does not provide precise information. Information from a linking study should be limited to rough estimates of students in each NAEP achievement level. (SLD)

The major focus of this monograph is on statistical tools that aim to facilitate the description and explanation of social phenomena. The basics of data gathering are presented, and a number of major topics in data analysis are reviewed. A major contribution is the treatment of methodological issues. (SLD)

Investigates how skilled and less skilled readers answered a gap-filling test in order to examine whether such tests can measure text-level processing ability. Japanese learners of English completed a gap-filling test while thinking aloud about their test-taking processes. Results showed both skilled and less-skilled readers used text-level…

Describes a study of undergraduates that tested four hypotheses regarding the effects of viewing Web sites on Internet advertising. Highlights include attitudes toward ads in marketing communications and advertising research; recalling brand names seen on the Internet; perceived advantages and disadvantages of online advertising; and recalling ads…

Study explored issues surrounding flagging test scores taken under non-standard conditions and how the admission process could better serve students with disabilities. Respondents to survey felt current system was not adequately serving subgroups of students, believing some non-disabled students were manipulating the system to gain an advantage on…