A simple scheme is proposed for smoothly approximating the ability distribution for relatively long tests, assuming that the item characteristic curves (ICCs) are known or well estimated. The scheme works for a general class of ICCs and is guaranteed to completely recover the theta distribution as the test length increases. The proposed method of…

The difference between compensatory and non-compensatory item response theory (IRT) models in terms of the dimensionality of test data generated by them, and its effect on the model-data-fit were examined. The STRESS (proportion of variance not accounted for by the multidimensional scaling model) and RSQ (proportion of variance accounted for by…

Perceptual-motor and cognitive processes whereby people perform multiple concurrent tasks have been studied through an overlapping-tasks procedure in which two successive choice-reaction tasks are performed with a variable interval (stimulus onset asynchrony, or SOA) between the beginning of the first and second tasks. The increase in subjects'…

A Monte Carlo study was done to determine the adequate sample size for quasi-experimental regression studies, which compare regression lines for two groups and estimate their point of intersection. Populations of 1,000 subjects in each of two groups were constructed (using random normal deviates) to yield equivalent regression lines of opposite…

This courseware evaluation rates the "FloorPlan" program developed by the Learning Seed. (The program--not included in this document--allows room design and arrangement to be performed on the computer screen.) The courseware was rated by a team of home economists participating in a network for the dissemination of courseware reviews.…

This paper addresses the characteristics and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) as a subsection of computer science, and briefly describes the most common types of AI programs: expert systems, natural language, and neural networks. Following a brief presentation of the historical background, the discussion turns to an explanation of how…

An Educational Testing Service (ETS) procedure was evaluated, which is based on item response theory and estimates true scores on tests not taken. The reading, vocabulary, and mathematics tests of high school seniors from the National Longitudinal Study (NLS) of 1972 and the High School and Beyond (HSB) seniors of 1980 and 1982 were found to share…

Preschoolers 4 and 5 years of age were found to use four strategies differing in temporal characteristics as they solved simple addition problems with sums of 10 or less. Three strategies had visible and/or audible aspects, and one was covert, involving retrieval from memory. The harder the problem, the more often the children used an overt…

Explains the hierarchic structure of the mammalian visual system. Proposes a model in which feedback pathways serve to modify sensory stimuli in ways that enhance and complete sensory input patterns. Investigates the functioning of the system through computer simulations. (ML)

Researched hypothesis-testing strategies (HTSs) used by counselors. Undergraduates and counselors-in-training interacted with a computer-simulated client counselor, then counselor. Of the three HTSs (confirmatory, disconfirmatory, and unbiased), the unbiased HTS was preferred choice of HTS, was stable across time and with different feedback, and…

This study examined three statistical methods for selecting items for mastery tests: (1) pretest-posttest; (2) latent trait; and (3) agreement statistics. The correlation between the latent trait method and agreement statistics, proposed here as an alternative, was substantial. Results for the pretest-posttest method confirmed its reputed…

A microcomputer-based simulation, developed to promote preservice elementary school teachers' acquisition of fundamental feedback, time-management, and behavior-management skills through powerful reinforcement, prompting, and feedback training aids, was proven successful in several applications involving entry-level education students. (Author/CB)

Reliability and validity were examined for three computerized case management simulations in counseling, administered to experienced counselors, and three samples representing different levels of professional training and experience. Reliability coefficients were moderately high. Significant relations were found between performance on the…

Discusses the characteristics and development of a computer simulation laboratory for educational administration research at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and reviews an experimental study performed at the laboratory on stress in decision-making. Explores how simulations provide researchers access to experimental conditions unavailable…

Experiments to probe the nature of one mode of thinking, imagined spatial operations, have been devised. Results confirm that the mind can model physical processes, subjecting them to the geometric constraints that hold in the external world. The experimental work and implications are discussed in detail. (MNS)