Provides a framework for viewing local dependency within dichotomous and polytomous items that are clustered by design and presents a testing procedure that allows researchers to identify individual item pairs that exhibit local dependency while controlling for a false positive rate. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method is…

Describes available variance component tests and presents three new score tests. One test uses the asymptotic normal distribution of the test statistic as a reference distribution; the others use a Satterthwaite approximation for the null distribution of the test statistic. Evaluates the performance of these tests through Monte Carlo simulation.…

Proposed person-fit statistics that are designed for use in a computerized adaptive test (CAT) and derived critical values for these statistics using cumulative sum (CUSUM) procedures so that item-score patterns can be classified as fitting or misfitting. Compared nominal Type I errors with empirical Type I errors through simulation studies. (SLD)

Describes the implementation of a standard Pearson chi-square statistic to test the null hypothesis of bivariate normality for latent variables in the Type I censored model. Assesses the behavior of the statistic through simulation and illustrates the statistic through an empirical example. Discusses limitations of the test. (Author/SLD)

Describes a course designed to teach written business communications in a simulated business environment. Summarizes student response to the course. (AEA)

Debunks five misconceptions about improving creative thinking. To encourage students to think creatively, instructional techniques should reflect an integrated set of mental skills, use materials mimicking real-life situations, consider students' beliefs and tendencies toward creative thinking, show metacognitive sensibility, and foster a creative…

A new methodology was used to measure the impact of a simulation workshop on job behaviors of adult education administrators who demonstrated significant changes 10 months after their inservice experience. (CT)

The author describes use of a personnel assessment center, a process that identifies managerial potential for purposes of selection, placement, promotion, development, or a combination of these factors. Elements of the process (determining skills to be assessed, evaluating skills, job skills exercises, interview exercises, written exercises) are…

To complement and strengthen its educational leadership program, East Tennessee State University, along with Brigham Young University, Florida State University, and Virginia Tech, formed a liaison with NASSP to help expand and refine administrative skills in decision making, leadership, sensitivity, problem solving, communication, judgment, and…

After outlining the difficulties of teaching climatology within an undergraduate geography curriculum, the author describes and evaluates the use of a computer assisted simulation to model surface energy balance and the effects of land use changes on local climate. (AM)

Discusses a design-feature framework for analyzing "simulations" in realistic-communication activities in foreign language classrooms. The link between design factors and two aspects of student language (quantity of output and topic-structure) with reference to two "simulation-type" activities are examined. (30 references) (GLR)

The use of a simulation game in the evaluation of a sex education program is described. How the game is played, the context for its use, and data from the evaluation are presented, as well as descriptions of other potential uses for the game. (Author/GK)

Discusses three types of least squares estimation (generalized, unweighted, and weighted). Results from a Monte Carlo simulation show that, in comparison with other least squares methods, the weighted least squared method generally reduced bias without increasing asymptotic standard errors. (SLD)

Describes an interactive computer program that simulates the physiological response to graded exercise in healthy individuals. The program presents high-resolution graphic data in a form comparable to that of a chart recorder display. Data are derived from an empirical model that allows users to select parameters to investigate. The program was…

Illustrates some of the practical issues and problems connected with the design and use of computerized business games by describing three games which have been developed and operated by staff at Leeds Polytechnic Department of Business Management (United Kingdom). Sample input and output forms are included. (nine references) (LRW)