Research on technology adoption often profiles device usability (such as perceived usefulness) and user dispositions (such as perceived ease of use) as the prime determinants of effective technology adoption. Since any process of technology adoption cannot be conceived out of its situated contexts, this paper argues that any pre-occupation with…

This paper focuses on mobile device usage of students in higher education. While more and more students embrace mobile devices in their daily life, institutions attempt to profit from those devices for educational purposes. It is therefore crucial for institutional development to identify students' needs and how mobile devices may facilitate these…

This paper describes a personal computer spreadsheet set up to carry out hierarchical log-linear analyses, a type of analysis useful for institutional research into multidimensional frequency tables formed from categorical variables such as faculty rank, student class level, gender, or retention status. The spreadsheet provides a concrete vehicle…

A review of the literature and of currently available computer programs for the use of log-linear models in analysis of qualitative data is presented, and two types of log-linear models and procedures for investigating both types are outlined. (MSE)

Discusses how computational errors arise in analysis of data and how they can be minimized. Shows that all computations are subject to roundoff/truncation errors and how such errors are propagated and influence the stability and condition of a reaction. Applications to procedures used in analytical chemistry are addressed. (JN)

Discusses several ways in which computers are being used in sociology and how they continue to change this discipline. Areas considered include data collection, data analysis, simulations of social processes based on mathematical models, and problem areas (including standardization concerns, training, and the financing of computing facilities).…

A computer-assisted student recordkeeping system provides storage and statistical analysis of machine-scored test results and produces colored frequency distribution graphs for posting. (MSE)

A simple and effective model for forecasting freshman enrollment during the application period is presented step by step. The model requires minimal and readily available information, uses a simple linear regression analysis on a personal computer, and provides updated monthly forecasts. (MSE)

The introduction to this selective bibliography on the use of computers in teaching statistics provides a brief review of the role of the computer in statistics; the role of statistical packages; how statistical packages should be used in instruction; science, statistics, and data analysis; and choice and evaluation of statistical packages. Items…

Describes a study which investigated the feasibility of interactive computer assisted testing (ICAT) as an effective instructional method and its effects on attitudes towards computer assisted instruction (CAI). (VT)

Proposes improved, more computer-intensive statistical techniques using bootstrap and permutation tests for analyzing results of student evaluations of teaching. Application of these methods resulted in narrower (more precise) confidence intervals and larger significance levels than more classical methods. Results indicate the new techniques…

The use of Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS), a type of microcomputer application software, to analyze open-ended survey questions is discussed. Using open-ended questions allows researchers to ask respondents to express themselves freely about their attitudes and beliefs. This approach also can elicit a precise answer even though the…

A microcomputer spreadsheet software package can be used for a variety of tasks to manage a program or research project and to cut costs in evaluation. LOTUS 1 2 3 is a versatile, commonly available, and well-known electronic spreadsheet package. Spreadsheets were originally designed to emulate financial ledgers and balance sheets. They are useful…

The Statistical Analysis System (SAS) is presented as the single most appropriate statistical package to use as an aid in teaching statistics. A brief review of literature in which SAS is compared to SPSS, BMDP, and other packages is followed by six examples which demonstrate features unique to SAS which have pedagogical utility. Of particular…

To answer students' questions about predicting grade averages or projecting grades needed to attain specific grade goals, academic advisors can use computerized grade calculations. Spreadsheet and HyperCard versions of grade calculation software are discussed and illustrated, and suggestions are offered for using them in specific advising…