Discusses the different strategies employed by three practical nonmetric multidimensional scaling algorithms using Monte Carlo techniques. (Author/RK)

The linear logistic model with relaxed assumption is extended to designs with any number of time points or with different sets of items presented on different occasions, provided that one unidimensional subscale is available per latent trait. A sample application is presented. (SLD)

A modification index is presented to aid in reformulating hypothetical models rejected after analysis of empirical data. This index is an improvement over the one in the LISREL V computer program in that it takes into account changes in all parameters of the model when one parameter is freed. (SLD)

Functional and structural relationship alternatives to the standard "F"-test for analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) are discussed for cases when the covariate is measured with error. An approximate statistical test based on the functional relationship approach is preferred on the basis of Monte Carlo simulation results. (SLD)

Maximum likelihood factor analysis provides an effective method for estimation of factor matrices and a useful test statistic in the likelihood ratio for rejection of overly simple factor models. A reliability coefficient is proposed for analysis of factor solution. (Author/RK)

This volume, which grew out of a conference on differential item functioning (DIF), provides an introduction and background on DIF, a discussion of statistical methodology, practical questions and examples of empirical investigation, a discussion of ancillary issues, and some concluding remarks and suggestions about DIF. (SLD)

Educational assessment concerns inference about student knowledge, skills, and accomplishments. Test theory has evolved in part to address questions of weight, coverage, and import of data. Resulting concepts and techniques can be viewed as applications of more general principles for inference in the presence of uncertainty. (SLD)

Results provide a first step toward the establishment of guidelines for the experimenter who wishes to use nonmetric multidimensional scaling effectively, especially when an underlying configuration is hypothesized. (Author)

A sensitive measurement model is developed that provides transactional scale values for individual members of a group, as well as an evaluation of pairwise interactions and balances that are emergent properties of the group itself. (Author/DG)

Omitted items cannot properly be treated as wrong when estimating ability and item parameters. A convenient method for utilizing the information provided by omissions is presented. Theoretical and empirical justifications are presented for the estimates obtained by the new method. (Author)