This comment discusses some issues about the use and reporting of experimental studies in education, illustrated by a recently published study that claimed (i) that an educational innovation was effective despite outcomes not reaching statistical significance, and (ii) that this refuted the findings of an earlier study. The two key issues raised…

D. W. Zimmerman argues that the interpretation by J. D. Gibbons and S. Chakraborti of recent simulation results and their recommendations are misleading and suggests use of an alternate test when homogeneity of variance and normality are violated. Gibbons and Chakraborti review their differences with Zimmerman's position. (SLD)

This article explores some critical methodological and theoretical issues that emerge from recent research into word association behaviour in second language (L2) learners. The studies that we discuss here all use computer simulations as a tool to investigate L2 lexical networks, and to compare these networks with those of first language (L1)…

Discusses experimental work with computer-simulated microworlds as a means for overcoming the tension between laboratory research and field research in psychology. Topics addressed include characteristics of microworlds; examples of microworlds; and three approaches to research with microworlds, including the individual differences approach, case…

Describes generativity theory based on the probabilities of many behaviors that are in competition and considers its effect on creativity. Topics discussed include previous and current generativity research, including behavior charts and frequency profiles; computer simulations; skills that improve generative processes; and creativity training in…

Describes implementation of computer simulation to aid in training psychology students in research methodology. Four skills required in research are reviewed; the simulation's context and the software used are described; and student activities, including submission of articles to online class journals and students' responses to the method, are…

Discusses the nature and function of mental models, explains tools for exploratory and expressive learning, and describes a research program to be conducted in the United Kingdom for 10- to 16-year-olds that is designed to explore characteristics of students' mental models. Highlights include knowledge domains; software, including simulations; and…

These articles contain responses from several scholars on the issue of field systems analysis (FSA). The scholars offer critiques from their sport pedagogy perspectives, a reaction relating FSA to personal examinations of teaching expertise, and a discussion of how computer simulation informs the study of expert teachers. (SM)

The paper discusses a number of issues concerning the practical usefulness of cognitive psychology research, and presents a case study of pilot training methods to illustrate a model of research processes that produces outcomes which contribute to both basic and applied research goals. Research studies are described as varying in the degree to…

In this article, the author discusses the use in policy analysis of models that incorporate uncertainty. He believes that all models should consider incorporating uncertainty, but that at the same time it is important to understand that sampling variability is not usually the dominant driver of uncertainty in policy analyses. He also argues that…

The papers in this collection of 71 individual papers and 3 symposiums represent some of the most current thinking in educational communications and technology. For the first time, a selected number of development papers sponsored by the Division for Instructional Development are included. Topics discussed include the effects of various conditions…