In order to determine the effectiveness of multidimensional scaling (MDS) in recovering the dimensionality of a set of dichotomously-scored items, data were simulated in one, two, and three dimensions for a variety of correlations with the underlying latent trait. Similarity matrices were constructed from these data using three margin-sensitive…

Critical review of previous techniques for the measurement of an individual's self-concept (SC) is a necessary prelude to the development of more adequate methodologies. This paper focuses on recent methodological innovations in the study of the self, namely, those derived from cognitive social psychology. A view of the self as a cognitive…

This study replicates and elaborates a three-dimensional, spherical model that integrates research findings concerning social and emotional behavior, psychopathology, and academic competence. Kindergarten teachers completed an extensive set of rating scales on 100 children, including the Classroom Behavior Inventory and the Child Adaptive Behavior…

In October 1981, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Program introduced a new version of the General Test (GT) that differed from the previous version in three major ways. The GT was altered to: reduce the verbal measure's speededness and allow the addition of several quantitative items; delete two item types from the analytical measure; and…

Computer graphing makes it easier for students and teachers to create and manipulate graphs. Scale issues are nearly unavoidable in the computer context. In interviews and protocol analysis with six students from grade 8, and 12 students from grades 11 and 12, it became apparent that some aspects of scale are clearly understood very early while…

This paper describes further research on a learning procedure for layered networks of deterministic, neuron-like units, described by Rumelhart et al. The units, the way they are connected, the learning procedure, and the extension to iterative networks are presented. In one experiment, a network learns a set of filters, enabling it to discriminate…

Open testing and test disclosure legislation has fostered a renewed interest in the problems and issues associated with test equating. This paper focuses on a specific application of test equating, that of professional and occupational testing for certification and licensure. Test equating is the process of making test scores from different forms…

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dimensions of sex role behavior. The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) was administered to 270 male and female undergraduate students. The BSRI contains 20 masculine characteristics (acts as a leader, ambitious, self-reliant), 20 female characteristics (warm, gentle, loves children), and 20 neutral…

A detailed description is provided of the variable belief in individual differences (INDIV), which is part of the analysis in phase I of the Evaluation of Practices in Individualized Schooling. The variable is defined; the questionnaires on which the variable is based are listed; the procedures used to scale the variable are explained; the…

A detailed description is provided of the variable general staff background (GSB), which is part of the analysis in phase I of the Evaluation of Practices in Individualized Schooling. The variable is defined, the questionnaires on which the variable is based are listed; the procedures used to scale the variable are explained; the distribution of…

The aim of this study is to suggest an alternative to the essay testing method of assessing structural understanding of concepts, which suffers from time constraints and lack of scoring reliability. In this method, students' relationship judgments between concept pairs are examined directly rather than by means of multidimensional scaling analysis…

Objective referenced tests were scaled using the Rasch latent trait model to measure Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) in grades one through eight. The tests, in the areas of reading, language and math, were scaled and linked through students, blocks of items, and test item banks. The study tests latent trait theory in a public school setting.…

The psychometric adequacy of three sex role instruments was determined by performing a factor analysis on the items in the Bem Sex Role Inventory, the Personal Attributes Questionnaire, and Heilbrun's Masculinity and Feminity Subscales. Subjects were 400 college students who responded to 116 bipolar items from the three instruments. The eleven…

Differences between the sexes in patterns of responses to vocational interest questionnaires were investigated by multidimensional scaling methods. The twelve areas of interest, based on a U.S.Employment Service study, were: artistic, scientific, nature, protective, mechanical, routine, clerical, persuasive, service, humanitarian, social-business,…

Multidimensional scaling was applied to the assessment of qualitative data relating to an optometry faculty's perceptions of instructional media. Results indicate that 35mm slides, overhead transparencies, and filmstrips were viewed as serving a similar function and as acceptable in terms of cost, need, and convenience. Television and 16mm films…