The Validity of Certain Prognostic Tests in Predicting Algebraic Ability

Monte Carlo studies offer the opportunity to manipulate data sets with specified characteristics and to examine the generalizability of statistical procedures in ways that are not practical using actual (empirical) data. To determine whether computer-generated (simulated) data results accurately represent empirical data, this study replicated an investigation of the effects of item sampling plans in the application of multiple matrix sampling using both simulated and empirical data sets. Although results were similar, the empirical data results were more precise. This study suggests that, for some investigations, it may be important to confirm simulated study with empirical study.