A research project developed a computer program for analyzing time series quasi-experimental data. The program generates a nonstationary, integrated moving average time series model; it is used to estimate a parameter which indexes the instantaneous change in level of the time series due to a predesignated treatment. The entire method is based on…

Researchers studied the interaction of college students with Piagetian tasks on microcomputers and found that the microcomputer system provided several advantages over the original tasks, as well as new alternatives for studying logical thinking processes. An example of a programed Piagetian task is appended, and 16 references are included. (MER)

Results of study investigating human memory organization in processing of computer programming languages indicate that algorithmic logic segments form a cognitive organizational structure in memory for programs. Statement indentation and internal program documentation did not enhance organizational process of recall of statements in five Fortran…

There are good reasons for the growing popularity of Monte Carlo procedures; but with increasing use comes increasing misuse. A variety of exact and approximate alternatives should be considered before one chooses to approach a problem with Monte Carlo methods. Once it has been decided that simulation is desirable, consideration should be given to…

A method is developed for testing a priori multiple regression models. The method allows one to specify in advance as many unstandardized or standardized coefficients as one wants to and allows the remaining slopes to be free to vary. (Author/PN)

This research investigates stochastic approximation procedures of the Robbins-Monro type. Following a brief introduction to sequential experimentation, attention is focused on formal methods for selecting successive values of a single independent variable. Empirical results obtained through computer simulation are used to compare several formal…

Faced with a nonstandard, complicated practical problem in statistical inference, the applied statistician sometimes must use asymptotic approximations in order to compute standard errors and confidence intervals and to test hypotheses. This usually requires that he derive formulas for one or more asymptotic sampling variances (and covariances)…

Decisions to terminate training for subjects involved with discrete trial experiments in discrimination learning should utilize a probability criterion rather than a deterministic criterion. Furthermore, these decisions should be based upon the number of correct and error responses made by the subject, with the decision made to terminate training…

This volume contains 10 original papers discussing methodologies applicable to performing psychosocial research on substance abuse, particularly abuse with drugs. Eight data analysis strategies are discussed by the authors: automatic interaction detection, actuarial prediction, cluster and typological analysis, path analysis, factor analysis,…

Working from the premise that for any given periodical title there is some frequency of use at which it becomes cheaper for a library to acquire the publication than to borrow it, this report presents a mathematical model for estimating the costs of options associated with acquiring periodicals. Cost elements included in the model are initial…

This report presents the findings of an initial survey that was designed to systematically determine the educational needs of citizens with regards to the emergency medical services system in their county. Specifically, the survey sampled the knowledge of respondents concerning: (1) what medical service is; (2) what services are available; (3) how…

In this follow-up study, an examination of the level of awareness of and knowledge about the Emergency Medical Services System in Region J of North Carolina was made to detect any changes from the earlier survey which might be due to a six-month campaign publicizing the system. To further pinpoint the channels through which the citizens of the…

This study was conducted to determine the effects of using various levels of tutorial statistical software for the tentative identification of nonseasonal ARIMA models, a statistical technique proposed by Box and Jenkins for the interpretation of time-series data. The Box-Jenkins approach is an iterative process encompassing several stages of…

The effectiveness of a computer-assisted training method using computer simulation of two subsets of the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children--Revised was compared with traditional methods for teaching the administration of the test. Results suggest that the computer simulation was a very effective teaching method. Eleven references are listed.…

The answer-until-correct procedure has made comparatively little impact on the field of educational testing due to the absence of a sound theoretical base for turning the response data into measures. Three new latent trait models are described. They differ in their complexity, though each is designed to yield a single parameter to measure student…