In this study a cumulative-sum (CUSUM) procedure from the theory of Statistical Process Control was modified and applied in the context of person-fit analysis in a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) environment. Six person-fit statistics were proposed using the CUSUM procedure, and three of them could be used to investigate the CAT in online test…

This study compared the ability of hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to detect differential item functioning (DIF) to standard DIF detection methods, such as Rasch difficulty difference. The big advantages to using HLM for DIF detection are that the person abilities so produced are adjusted for any DIF in the items, and the DIF can then be…

This study compared the effectiveness of 10 methods of determining the number of factors to retain in exploratory common factor analysis. The 10 methods included the Kaiser rule and a modified Kaiser criterion, 3 variations of parallel analysis, 4 regression-based variations of the scree procedure, and the minimum average partial procedure. The…

Many multivariate statistical methods call upon the assumption of multivariate normality. However, many applied researchers fail to test this assumption. This omission could be due to ignorance of the existence of tests of multivariate normality or confusion about which test to use. Although at least 50 tests of multivariate normality exist,…

This study presents and evaluates a method of standardization that may be used by test practitioners to standardize classical item statistics when sample sizes are small. The effectiveness of this standardization approach was compared through simulation with the one-parameter logistic (1PL) and three parameter logistic (3PL) models based on the…

A simulation study was conducted to examine the effect of large ability differences using two differential item functioning (DIF) detection procedures, SIBTEST and TESTGRAF. DIF items are hard to identify when group ability differences are large (A. Gotzmann, C. Vandenberghe, and M. Gierl, 2000; R. Hambleton and H. Rogers, 1989). This problem was…

This study focused on the issue of measurement reliability and its attenuation on correlation between two composites and two seemingly different approaches for correcting the attenuation. As expected, Monte Carlo simulation results show that correlation coefficients uncorrected for measurement error are systematically biased downward. For the data…

The generalized graded unfolding model (J. Roberts, J. Donoghue, and J. Laughlin, 1998, 1999) is an item response theory model designed to unfold polytomous responses. The model is based on a proximity relation that postulates higher levels of expected agreement with a given statement to the extent that a respondent is located close to the…

A simulation study compared three methods of estimating parameters within structural equation models (SEM) with polytomous variables. These methods appear in three SEM computer software packages: (1) LISREL (Joreskog and Sorbom, 1996) with PRELIS (Joreskog and Sorbom); (2) EQS (Bentler, 1995); and (3) the new Mplus (Muthen and Muthen, 1998). The…

A method of simulation to tie check writing, making deposits, finding outstanding checks, receiving bank statements, and bank reconciliation into a process is presented as a way to convey to students a feeling of a procedure completed. A step-by-step teaching procedure and examples of bank statements are included. (AG)

As implemented by Colgate University, the Inter-Nation Simulation'' attempts to create a functioning microcosm of teams or nations which interact politically, economically, and sociologically. (JA)

In this article, the Double I (Individualized Instruction) Game is described, including its objectives, rules of play, participants, and materials. The purpose of the game is to permit parents and teachers to consider their feelings about the implementation of individualized instruction. (HMD)

Describes two experiments which a) investigated the effect of communication on cooperative choice during play of a Prisoner's Dilemma game under conditions of real reward and b) examined the effect of communication on a situation that simulated the type of environment that may result in a collusive crime. (JA)

Provides a fast motivating method for providing people with practice in making discriminations among simulation games, nonsimulation games, nongame simulations, instructional games, noninstructional games, instructional simulation games, etc. (Author)