This study tests the general hypothesis that preschool experience has a measurable effect upon children's noncognitive development between the time they enter and the time they leave the preschool program. The California Preschool Competency Scale (CPSCS) was administered to 4-year-old children in a prekindergarten program (PreK) in the fall of…

Classical multiple regression was compared with Bayesian m-group regression, complete with cross-validation. The setting was a post-developmental studies situation in a comprehensive community college. A secondary purpose of the study was to incorporate an advisor prediction of grade point average (GPA) as input into both regression procedures.…

This paper presents a new method for estimating a given latent trait variable by the least-squares approach. The beta weights are obtained recursively with the help of Fourier series and expressed as functions of item parameters of response curves. The values of the latent trait variable estimated by this method and by maximum likelihood method…

The accuracy with which regression models estimate treatment effects is dependent upon a number of conditions. The stability of the regression line (a function of sample size and correlation between pretest and posttest) is said to be the most important of these conditions. The utility of regression models is proportional to the size of the…

A relatively simple procedure for modeling periodic components in time series data is presented in this paper, along with an example of the procedure's use with communication data. Similar to multiple regression analysis, the described procedure has four steps that are based on information about periodic waves and their components, how to create…

This investigation studied the effect of teaching satisfaction and related classroom environmental variables on student evaluations of instruction where the assigned instructor and course subject were held constant over two successive academic terms at a branch campus of a major state university. Scores on two dimensions of teaching, Instructor…

Longitudinal relationships, between two measures of both job performance and job satisfaction over a three-year period, were investigated for 1,352 airmen in eight enlisted Air Force occupational specialties. Cross-lagged panel correlation analyses were compared to conclusions based on an extended multiple linear regression analysis technique.…

In response to a request from the Southeast Council, the Southeast Alternatives (SEA) Internal Evaluation Team undertook a study to provide information about sex-role stereotyping in Southeast Alternatives schools. The questionnaire had ten questions that asked such things as if stereotyping occurred, where it occurred, what would be the best…

This paper examines the possibility that returns to various personal characteristics obtained from education differ among five Spanish surname ethnic groups as well as for Blacks and non-black, non-Spanish people (Anglos). Numerous studies have found differences in the returns that Blacks and Whites obtain from education, experience, migration,…

In order to test the ubiquity of the structure of the intellect for predictors of performance, a psychomotor skill (M 16 rifle proficiency test), a measure of perseverance (completion or resignation from OCS Program), and a measure of leadership ability (peer ratings) were selected as criteria on which multiple regressions were conducted with a…

The suppressor variable, a variable wholly uncorrelated with a criterion, but which nevertheless improves prediction because of its relationship with a predictor, is critically examined. For a suppressor so defined, formal identities are shown with part, partial, and multiple correlational procedures. It is demonstrated that if maximum prediction…

The use of the digital computer for the presentation of the topics of empirical model building and regression analysis is discussed. The author concentrates upon a description of computing exercises which are employed to provide the students with experience in model building and evaluation in a controlled situation. The types of exercises given…

Change Group Analysis is suggested as a technique for examining the correlates of the differential effects of a compensatory education program within the group of enrolled pupils. It is based on using pretest-posttest relative changes for forming criterion groups and then using multiple disciminant analysis to uncover patterns of predictor…

This document reports the results of a 6-month investigation into the possibility of instituting operational incentive systems in schools. An experiment is suggested that would examine the effects of a wide range of monetary and nonmonetary rewards on students, teachers, administrators, and parents based on demonstrated gains in student…

This paper shows that Garfinkel and Gramlich's conclusion about the average performance of the contractors is not supported by the data. The discussion focuses on three issues: (1) The study was conducted in such a way that performance contracting schools and the comparison schools were generally not comparable in terms of initial achievement,…