Modeling Group Differences in OLS and Orthogonal Regression: Implications for Differential Validity Studies

In evaluating the relationship between two measures across different groups (i.e., in evaluating “differential validity”) it is necessary to examine differences in correlation coefficients and in regression lines. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression is the standard method for fitting lines to data, but its criterion for optimal fit (minimizing the squared vertical distances between the points and the line) is less natural in many contexts than the criterion used in orthogonal regression (minimizing the squared Euclidean distances of points from the line). OLS regression is appropriate if the goal is to predict some unknown dependent variable from a known independent variable, but in examining the relationship between two variables, which both contain error, OLS regression introduces bias. This bias, associated with regression toward the mean, can suggest that the test scores have different relationships, and therefore different meanings, in two groups, when the two sets of test scores have the same relationship and the same meanings in the two groups. The impact of regression toward the mean in differential validity studies is illustrated with two synthetic and two real data sets. Each of the two real data sets include two measures of competence in applying legal principles to fact situations (an essay test and a multiple-choice test) for candidates in two groups (Black/White in the first example and women/men in the second example).     

Using Structural Equation Modeling to Examine Group Differences in Assessment Booklet Designs with Sparse Data

The current research demonstrates the effectiveness of using structural equation modeling (SEM) for the investigation of subgroup differences with sparse data designs where not every student takes every item. Simulations were conducted that reflected missing data structures like those encountered in large survey assessment programs (e.g., National Assessment of Educational Progress). A maximum likelihood method of estimation was implemented that allowed all data to be used without performing any imputation. A multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model was used to examine group differences. There was no detriment to the estimation of the MIMIC model parameters under sparse data design conditions when compared to the design without missing data. The overall size of samples had more influence on the variability of estimates than did the data design.     

Aerial Robotics in Computer Science Education

This paper reports on experience with project courses, especially those concerning the design and construction of an autonomous aerial robot.

Dealing with this complex application task in small teams, advanced students are coached by teaching assistants in state‐of‐the‐art work in special fields of computer science.

The task includes a high potential for motivation and is sufficiently complex for a large range of techniques required. Team‐orientation is an important aspect; the students have to establish and coordinate various individual tasks.     

Computer Science Education Overseas: The Case of Greece

This article examines the Computer Science/Computer Engineering (CS/ CE) education provided in Greece. Emphasis is given to the university‐level education provided by the state with particular consideration of the curriculum, faculty, student body, and facilities. In order to understand Greek CS/CE education better, a brief overview of the entire educational system is given.     

This is my truth,tell me yours: some aspects of action research quality in the light of truth theories

In this article the authors introduce some aspects of various truth theories in the context of action research. The traditional ways of determining quality are based on the correspondence theory of truth, which, in their view, conflicts with the basic assumptions of action research. The pragmatic theory of truth seems to be clearly represented in the world of action research. In their opinion, other theories of truth can be productively applied as well. In addition to the classical theories of truth – the correspondence theory, the coherence theory and the pragmatistic view on truth – they discuss the truth as ‘aletheia’ (a Heideggerian view on truth), as Habermasian consensus and as Foucaultian power/knowledge.     

Encounters with action research in the african context: a case study in the school curriculum in lesotho

This article is based on an action research study undertaken in the African context, in Lesotho. It illustrates understandings and insights that developed in this context about action research by reference to the factors that influenced the comprehension and implementation of the method, reflections of the research team on the method, and the potential of the method to improve practice. It is argued that the method had potential to improve practice in this context, and that the contextualisation of action research by reflection on the method was essential.     

An Experimental Study of the Effect of Educational Guidance on a Selected Group of High School Sophomores

The question of an interaction over time between ability grouping and personality variables was the focus of the present study which examined pertinent data from 260 female high school students. Two standardized personality instruments, in addition to several scales designed by the E’s, were administered to students of the upper and lower ability tracks in a Catholic high school, grades 9 and 12. Ss in the lower track were found to have a lower need for achievement, a higher need to avoid failure, and a higher average score of test anxiety than Ss in the upper track. The effects of ability grouping did interact with grade level for a correlate of personality, level of aspiration. Relative to Ss in the upper track, the lower track Ss experienced a reduction in level of aspiration over time. Both future directions of associated research and educational practices were discussed within the context of the present findings.     

A Helping Relationship Experience in Teacher Education,

The helping relationship experience was explored as a means of insuring greater rapport with children. A sample of 82 junior and senior education students participated for a minimum of two hours/week for approximately eight weeks. Of this group, some were involved with white children; another group with Negro children and a third group served as control. Groups were pre- and post-tested on selected personality variables felt to be necessary for the establishment of good rapport. A complex analysis of variance design was used in analyzing the data. Females and “liberals” scored significantly higher on the MTAI than males or “traditionalists.” Failure to find other evidence of a significant effect on the experimental groups was attributed to insufficient duration and/or intensity of the treatment.     

Media Portrayals of Tiger Woods: A Qualitative Deconstructive Examination

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine televised media portrayals of Tiger Woods from a cultural studies perspective that is sensitive to historical patterns of minority participation in golf. A deconstructive strategy was undertaken to analyze the type, style, and kind of media images of Tiger Woods' life history and golf accomplishments. The underlying meanings of these images were analyzed in an effort to expose how popular culture reflects and promotes hegemonic practices in golf. The results revealed that the meanings and images of Tiger Woods articulated within the media were inconsistent and in direct contradiction to common sense views that minorities have made advances in the golf subculture. In fact, a closer examination of the media texts showed that the underlying media messages actually reinrorce historical practices and common stereotypes of the golf community. In this paper we argued that media portrayals of Tiger Woods were characterized by an underlying racist, sexist, and classist ideology masked by cummon sense images and views of sport.