Discusses general issues of computer and human understanding; contrasts three paradigms of information retrieval methodology, including statistical, deep semantic or natural language, and smart Boolean; describes CONIT, a knowledge-based intermediary retrieval assistance system; and examines system evaluation procedures, including a…

A comparison of book reviews for humanities and social sciences books named to CHOICE's 1987 "Outstanding Academic Books" with a selection of books not named to the list showed no substantial difference in the number or quality of reviews received. Study suggests that libraries should be cautious in their reliance on published lists for…

A procedure-based observational scoring system and a notebook completed by students were evaluated as science assessments for 41 fifth grade students experienced in hands-on science and 55 fifth grade students inexperienced in hands-on science. Results suggest that notebooks may be a reasonable, although less reliable, surrogate for observed…

This paper examined the assessment of second-language proficiency in 157 research articles published in 5 language journals from 1988 through 1992, finding 4 major conventions for the assessment of language proficiency: (1) impressionistic judgment; (2) institutional status; (3) in-house measures; and (4) standardized test scores. (64 references)…

Through Monte Carlo simulation, respective normative and intuitive strategies for covariation assessment and Bayesian inference are compared. Results indicate that better performance in both tasks results from considering alternative hypotheses, although not necessarily using a normative strategy. Conditions under which intuitive strategies may be…

Analyzes orchestral repertoire data as indications of musical taste. Collects data from 34 U.S. and Canadian symphony orchestras from 1982 through 1987. Summarizes and compares programing of 600 composers and 10,500 works. Reveals that Mozart was most frequently performed, and Beethoven was given most time. Shows relationship between student and…

The political context of evaluation is compared for the United States and developing countries, and a framework is proposed for discussing the political context of evaluation. Significant differences are the role that international donor agencies play in developing countries and the emphasis on stakeholder evaluation in the United States. (SLD)

A procedure for evaluating a variety of rater reliability models is presented. A multivariate linear model is used to describe and assess a set of ratings. Parameters are represented in terms of a factor analytic model, and maximum likelihood methods test the model parameters. Illustrative examples are presented. (SLD)

The efficacy of problem-centered as compared to an orthodox deductive approach to second-language instruction in Japanese schools is evaluated. Results suggest that both approaches enable students to understand grammatical rules, but the time-consuming problem-solving procedure limits practice and results in a lack of oral proficiency. (55…

Provides a comparative overview of the developmental characteristics and needs of adolescents according to (1) the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development's report "Turning Points"; (2) Gayle Dorman's "Planning Programs for Young Adolescents"; (3) Maria Montessori's "From Childhood to Adolescence" and Margaret E.…

A study using spectrographic analysis investigated whether six university professors would modify the temporal organization of their speech when delivering identical lectures to low-proficiency and high-proficiency nonnative and native speaker groups. Results showed no significant modifications of speech rate; articulation differences were between…

Discusses the selection of multimedia technology for training applications. Highlights include differences between media; information flow and pace; the concept of interaction; a comparison of media attributes; visual attributes, including text, graphics, pictures, moving images, and sound capability; and planning for the use of multimedia. (10…

Self-teaching booklets and computer media were evaluated for teaching diagnostic testing with first (n=49), second (n=41) and third year (n=71) dental students as a foundation for further development of clinical decision-making skills. Results found the media more effective than no instruction and equally effective to the traditional lecture…

Results of this study supported the belief that whole language strategies and routines used in first grade classrooms will yield scores on traditional reading standardized achievement tests that are comparable or superior to those resulting from the use of basal reader programs. (Author/IAH)

Discussion of end-user searching of online systems focuses on a study conducted at the University of Florida College of Law to determine the usefulness of DIALOG in a law school setting. Training needs are discussed, and search techniques for DIALOG are compared with those for LEXIS and Westlaw. (Four references) (LRW)