An investigation of a criterion- referenced test using G-theory, and factor and cluster analyses

There has been relatively little research on analytical procedures for examin ing the dependability and validity of criterion-referenced tests especially when compared to similar investigations for norm-referenced ESL or EFL tests. This study used three analytical procedures, namely, G-theory, factor and cluster analyses, to investigate the dependability and validity of a criterion-referenced test developed at the University of California, Los Angeles in 1989. Dependability estimates showed that test scores are not equally depend able for all placement groups and are rather undependable for two out of the four placement groups. Factor analysis of test scores for the placement groups showed that though two-factor solutions were the best solutions for the different groups, there were differences in the way the subtests loaded in the different groups, with progressively fewer subtests loading on the second factor as ability increased. This finding led to the extension study with cluster analysis which showed that a number of students might have been differently placed if subtest scores were used to place them.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68766/2/10.1177_026553229200900104.pd

A review of techniques for parameter sensitivity analysis of environmental models

Mathematical models are utilized to approximate various highly complex engineering, physical, environmental, social, and economic phenomena. Model parameters exerting the most influence on model results are identified through a ‘sensitivity analysis’. A comprehensive review is presented of more than a dozen sensitivity analysis methods. This review is intended for those not intimately familiar with statistics or the techniques utilized for sensitivity analysis of computer models. The most fundamental of sensitivity techniques utilizes partial differentiation whereas the simplest approach requires varying parameter values one-at-a-time. Correlation analysis is used to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables. Regression analysis provides the most comprehensive sensitivity measure and is commonly utilized to build response surfaces that approximate complex models.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42691/1/10661_2004_Article_BF00547132.pd

The importance of behavioral and situational characteristics for entrepeneurial success: an international rating study

A judgemental analysis has been executed of the job of entrepreneur in terms of the required behavioural, or 'human', attributes and in terms of the relevance of 'situational' attributes for entrepreneurial success. Ratings were given by 235 consultants and starting entrepreneurs from five European countries. By means of generalizability analysis it was investigated whether ratings generalized across countries: Nationality barely had an influence on the ratings. Next, it was questioned whether the type of judge, i.e. consultants or starting entrepreneurs, made a difference. No difference was found for the situational attributes. However, the behavioural attributes as a whole were judged to be more important by starters than by consultants. In general, it was not so much the type or nationality of the judge, as individual differences between judges that had an effect on the ratings. Overall, consensus was higher among consultants than among starting entrepreneurs, and higher on the importance of the situational than of the behavioural attributes. The three situational agttributes judged as most important were: Number of Clients, Type of Product, and Competition. The three most important behavioural attributes were judged to be Market Orientedness, Perseverance, and Independence (consultants), and Perseverence, Independence, and Financial Control (starters)