Contrasts modeling methods in control theory to the methods of statistical generalizations in empirical studies of human or animal behavior. Presents a computer simulation that predicts behavior based on variables (effort and rewards) determined by the invariable (desired reward). Argues that control theory methods better reflect relationships to…

Comparisons of the Wilcoxon test, Friedman test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) on ranks in a computer simulation show that the Friedman test performs like the sign test whereas the ANOVA performs like the Wilcoxon test. Classification of these tests in introductory statistics textbooks should be revised. (SLD)

A strategy is proposed for conceptualizing moderating relationships based on their type (strictly correlational and classically correlational) and form, whether continuous, noncontinuous, logistic, or quantum. Results of computer simulations comparing three statistical approaches for assessing moderator variables are presented, and advantages of…

Multidimensional adaptive testing (MAT) procedures are proposed for the measurement of several latent traits by a single examination. Bayesian latent trait estimation and adaptive item selection are derived. Simulations were conducted to compare the measurement efficiency of MAT with those of unidimensional adaptive testing and random…

Understanding spatial relationships among anatomic structures is an essential skill for physicians. Traditional medical education--using books, lectures, physical models, and cadavers--may be insufficient for teaching complex anatomical relationships. This study was designed to measure whether teaching complex anatomy to medical students using…

Background: Most policy doctrines promote the use of scientific inquiry in the K-12 classroom, but good inquiry is hard to implement, particularly for schools with fiscal and safety constraints and for teachers struggling with understanding how to do so. Purpose: In this paper, we present the design of a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE)…

Two order theoretic techniques were presented and compared. Ordering theory of Krus and Bart (1974) and an extended Takeya's item relational structure analysis (IRS) by Tatsuoka and Tatsuoka (1981) were used to extract the hierarchical item structure from three datasets. Directed graphs were constructed and both methods were assessed as to how…

The present study compares the robustness of two different one way fixed-effects analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models to investigate whether the model which uses a test statistic incorporating estimates of separate unequal regression slopes is more robust than the conventional model which assumes the slopes are equal. (Author/BW)

Compares the performance of 85 freshmen and sophomores enrolled in two sections of an online introductory networking and telecommunications course. One section utilized a network simulation package that allows the student to build and send data through different network configurations; the second section used a static network diagramming software…

Investigates the value of applying principles derived from simulated annealing to clustering tuples in database design, and compares this technique with a graph-collapsing clustering method. It is concluded that, while the new method does give superior results, the expense involved in algorithm run time is prohibitive. (24 references) (CLB)

Compares two basic types of computer-based simulations--(1) variable-assignment simulations, and (2) diagnostic problem-solving simulations. Differences in the role of the computer, in the nature of the problem presented to the learner, and in the decision making required of the student are described. (eight references) (LRW)

Robustness of the school-level item response theoretic (IRT) model to violations of distributional assumptions was studied in a computer simulation. In situations where school-level precision might be acceptable for real school comparisons, expected a posteriori estimates of school ability were robust over a range of violations and conditions.…

A maximum likelihood approach to correlational outlier identification is introduced and compared to the Mahalanobis D squared and Comrey D statistics through Monte Carlo simulation. Identification performance depends on the nature of correlational outliers and the measure used, but the maximum likelihood approach is the most robust performance…

The algorithm developed by B. A. Schneider (1980) for analysis of paired comparisons of psychological intervals is replaced by one proposed by R. M. Johnson. Monte Carlo simulations of pairwise dissimilarities and pairwise conjoint effects show that Johnson's algorithm can provide good metric recovery. (SLD)

New methods for comparing the medians corresponding to independent treatment groups are suggested. Procedures are based on the estimator of F. Harrell and C. Davis in conjunction with a modification and extension of the bootstrap calibration technique suggested by W. Loh. Data from two groups provide an illustration. (SLD)