James N. Wilmoth

An Algorithm for Assessing Factor Structure Congruence

The coefficient of congruence is a quantitative measure of the similarity of factor structures for different samples of subjects. This paper is intended to inform interested readers of the availability of a computer program capable of computing coefficients of congruence of factor structures.

Factor Analysis of the Personal Profile System.

Principal components extraction with orthogonal and oblique rota tions tested construct validity for the Personal Profile System. MOST-LIKE en dorsements of 96 behavioral descriptors were coded with 4, LEAST-LIKE with 1, and unendorsed with 2.5. Descriptor data from 1,045 senior noncommissioned Air Force officers were normalized. Four factors accounted for 85% of total variance, with 19 descriptors loading significantly on two factors and the remaining 77 on just one factor. The measure of sampling adequacy for every descriptor exceeded .94. One factor for the varimax-rotated (best) analysis was bi-scalar, loading on Steadiness and Compliance descriptors; a second resembled Influencing, a third loaded almost exclusively on Dominance, and a fourth did not contain a nonchance number of loadings for any single theoretical dimension. All descriptors loaded on at least one factor at .30 or higher, accommodating an acceptable theoretical degree of psychometric and measurement properties and indicating four-factor relevance. Results do not completely justify previous Personal Profile System publisher claims. ABILITIES to understand, predict, direct, change, and control human behavior are often difficult to acquire, yet are highly desirable personal at tributes that are helpful for success in a variety of interpersonal environ ments. For people to understand better their own behavioral tendencies and the behavioral tendencies of others with whom they come in contact, many educational methodologies have been applied. Among these are self-scoring psychological instruments. From their inception as a technique in educa tional and organizational settings, however, psychological instruments have been the target of extensive scrutiny, criticism, and debate (Standards for

Auditing the Compensation Function for Race- and Sex-Based Salary Differences: Further Needed Refinements

Building on their previous research (reported in this journal), the authors determined that path analysis is a viable analytical tool that can help managers develop a legally defensible compensation program.

Auditing the Compensation Function For Sex-Based Salary Differences: Some Needed Refinements

In using multiple-regression analysis to weed out any sex-based differences in the companys salary schedule, compensation managers must be alert to the factors that may skew the results.

Lisrel model of three latent variables from 19 meaning of work items for vocational students

The problem for this investigation was to clarify relationships among responses to manifest variables by using scores on theoretical latent variables. The Meaning and Value of Work Scale, part I: Meaning of Work, was administered to 482 high school students enrolled in their first year of a vocational education program in Alabama. Polychoric correlations and asymptotic variance and covariance matrices were computed with PRELIS for the 40 meaning of work items. Three latent variables, Self-Actualization, Independence, and Societal were identified for the study. Results are reported on an unweighted least squares analysis. Phi of .81 was obtained between Independence and Societal with a corresponding t-value exceeding 20. The total coefficient of determination (reliability) for the manifest Self-Actualization variable was .85, for the manifest Independence and Societal variables, .96, and for the structural equations, .89. Results indicated that an individuals attitudes toward independence and society in a work-related context may contribute to ones work-oriented self actualization.

Physical characteristics and attenuation of foam earplugs

The purpose of this investigation was twofold: (1) to determine the physical characteristics of five types of foam earplugs; and (2) to relate their physical characteristics to attenuation of noise. The results indicate that: (1) all commercial polymer foam earplugs have similar physical properties, (2) frequency (Hz) is the single most important variable in determining attenuation of commercial foam earplugs, (3) all earplugs evaluated provided essentially the same attenuation at frequencies > 500 Hz. One non-commercial earplug provided significantly more attenuation at 125 Hz than the other earplugs. This non-commercial experimental plug has significantly different physical and chemical properties. No other consistent effects of physical properties on attenuation were found.

The Effect of Relative Humidity on the Noise Attenuation of Foam Earplugs

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of atmospheric humidity on the hearing protection afforded by various brands of foam earplugs. The variables measured were dry earplug weight, percent moisture content (at <5%, 50%, and 80% relative humidity), and noise attenuation. Attenuation measurements were made using KEMAR. Two of the plug types were difficult or impossible to insert in the ear at high humidity, one because of its quick recovery from compression, the other because of difficulty of compressing it. Moisture content and relative humidity had significant but very small effects on attenuation. As in a previous study, frequency had the most significant effect on attenuation (plugs were more similar than different over the measured frequency range).

Relation of physical characteristics of foam earplugs to insertion loss

The relation between the physical characteristics of foam earplugs (i.e., weight, length, width, density, expansion pressure, and expansion force) and attenuation in high noise levels (105 dB SPL) was investigated using KEMAR. The results indicated that all commercial polymer foam earplugs have similar physical properties; frequency (Hz) is the single most important variable in determining attenuation of foam earplugs; and chlorination seems to have a pronounced effect on attenuation. The measured attenuation does not change in a consistent manner with changes in physical properties which may reflect an incomplete understanding of cause‐effect relationships between the variables studied.