Discusses the extent to which computers can understand natural language. Considers assertions that computers can be described as literate, and considers more generally the purpose of designing machines which perform like humans. (RS)

Explores a method of combining convention and intention by representing conversation structure with conversation MOPs (schematic structures that store conversation rules as generalized episodes associated with goals the episodes achieved). Discusses how conversation MOPs process the opening portion of a dialogue in an interactive advice-giving…

Includes four articles: "Virtual Reality" (Kopf), description of its uses in computer-assisted design, architecture, and technical training; "SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) Robotics Contest Opens Doors to Future" (Wagner); "Superconductivity" (Canady), description of classroom demonstrations and experiments;…

Describes a linguistic analysis computational system that responds to highly complex queries about morphosyntactic and semantic structures contained in large sets of language acquisition data by identifying, displaying, and analyzing sentences that meet the defined linguistic criteria. (30 references) (Author/CB)

Smallest exact confidence intervals for the ability parameter of the Rasch model are derived and compared to the traditional asymptotically valid intervals based on Fisher information. Tables of exact confidence intervals, termed Clopper-Pearson intervals, can be drawn up with a computer program developed by K. Klauer. (SLD)

Using a Monte Carlo simulation, a bootstrap procedure was evaluated for setting a confidence interval on the unrestricted population correlation (rho) assuming various degrees of incomplete truncation on the predictor. Sample size was the most important factor in determining accuracy and stability. Sample size should be at least 50. (SLD)

Four groups of 24 undergraduates each received the following instruction on logic circuits: (1) lab, then readings; (2) computer simulation, then readings; (3) readings, then lab; and (4) readings, then simulation. Results showed that advance exposure to experiential activity (lab or simulation) aided the learning of unfamiliar technical material…

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)

Developed Computerized Counseling Simulation, simulation of client-counselor interaction. Tested simulation on seven groups with varying degrees of counseling experience: counselors, predoctoral counseling interns, counseling students, first-year counseling students, student peer counselors, undergraduates, and noncounselors (total n=108). Interns…

The effect that collapsing ordered polytomous variable scales has on structural equation measurement model parameter estimates was examined. Four parameter estimation procedures were investigated in a Monte Carlo study. Collapsing categories in ordered polytomous variables had little effect when latent projection procedures were used. (SLD)

The adequacy of multidimensional trait and item parameters using multidimensional item response theory analysis was studied through simulation using different degrees of correlation between two trait dimensions and the existence of a restricted trait on the second dimension. Conditions allowing adequate recovery of trait and item parameters are…

To teach community health assessment to nursing students, videotaped segments of real community situations were incorporated in an interactive simulation program that leads students through the processes of data collection and evaluation. (SK)

In Scotland, one "value added" (VA) indicator of secondary school effectiveness measures students' relative "progress" between Standard and Higher grade in particular subjects. When random nonschool factors affecting students' geography performance were computer-simulated to determine VA fluctuation over 25 years, the…

Discusses the evaluation of interactive information retrieval (IIR) systems and explains two main approaches, system-driven and user-centered. Describes Text Retrieval Conference (TREC), and concludes that the simulated work task situation as an experimental sub-component could be recommended for future evaluation of IIR systems based on empirical…

Marketing students (n=99) used computer simulation, 34 did not. Students who performed well on traditional exams also did well on the simulation. Students who preferred working with others seemed to perform more poorly on both the exam and the simulation. (SK)