Since computer programs have been available for estimating and testing linear causal models, these models have been used increasingly in the behavioral sciences. This paper discusses the problem that very different causal structures may fit the same set of data equally well. (Author/LMO)

Six hundred twenty-six subjects from the University of Arizona participated in an investigation designed to examine congruence of a math domain hierarchy validated psychometrically and validated instructionally. Three studies revealed congruence between hierarchies validated psychometrically and instructionally. Generalization and transfer were…

Presents methodological considerations in developing an automatic cheap algorithm for computerized path diagraming, gives some plotted results, and describes a program which produces the plots from an input matrix of path coefficients on a standard line printer. The program accommodates unidirectional and reciprocal causation and represents…

Most representations of academic disciplines have been created when experts depict or report what they know; however, there are potential problems that can arise when practitioners rely on expert self-report. One way to avoid potential problems associated with expert self-report is to employ cognitive task analysis methods. The Pathfinder Scaling…

Focuses on the analytic and methodological base for Jencks' finding that the correlation between income and educational variables is very low; apparently the Jencks group considered path analysis a powerful inferential technique, while ignoring the limitations placed on it by a highly restrictive series of assumptions. (Author/JM)

A detailed review of the methodological shortcomings in Jencks' Inequality'' suggests that the policy recommendations implied in the book are not strongly supported. (Author/KM)

Developed structural equation models of involvement in communication networks in organizations for communication network connectedness and for network integration. A questionnaire was administered to members of a naval training facility (N=125). Models showed acceptable goodness-of-fit for the connectedness model and excellent goodness-of-fit for…

A model was proposed to examine the effects of mathematical aptitude and academic orientation on performance. The calculated path coefficients did not strongly support the model. Mathematical aptitude has a direct effect on college performance, whereas the effect of academic orientation was mediated by high school performance and mathematical…

Time spent on homework was found to be important in determining student grades. Further, it was suggested that increased homework demands and more stringent grading standards might increase both student achievement and confidence in schools. (Author/AL)

Analyzed the process of granting work release. Administrative data on a 10 percent random sample of incarcerated males provided the basis for a path analysis. High custody grade was found to have a very strong direct path with granting of work releases. Other variables had weaker paths. (Author)

This study developed an approach to evaluating the appropriateness of student effort within a mastery instructional system and then investigated the interrelationship of achievement motivation, effort, and achievement in two college courses. Appropriate effort was strongly correlated with student achievement. (Author/RL)

Results illustrate the usefulness of a conceptual model for assessing the interrelationships among pretreatment, and posttreatment variables and outcome. This approach facilitates the unraveling of these complex interrelationships by allowing for examination of the cumulative influences of prior variables on subsequent variables. (Author/BEF)

Used two path models to examine the influence of ethnic identity and intergroup contact on adolescents' attitudes toward other ethnic groups: (1) ethnic identity increases with age and predicts positive in-group attitudes which contribute to positive out-group attitudes; and (2) diversity outside school leads to more out-group interaction in…

Paper presents public health model of alcohol intensity and attendant consequences. Analyses examined influence of agent (beverage of choice), host (individual characteristics), and environment (contexts of drinking) on indexes of alcohol intensity and alcohol-related consequences. Analyses suggest males, adolescents who begin drinking at a…

Discusses a model that suggests that popularity and friendship are linked to different forms of adjustment and emotional well-being and emphasizes that friendship is an important mediator between popularity and loneliness. Results of a study that involved 169 early adolescents in fifth and sixth grades supported the model. (BB)