Analyzed the relations between two continuous response models intended for typical response items: the linear congeneric model and Samejima's continuous response model (CRM). Illustrated the relations described using an empirical example and assessed the relations through a simulation study. (SLD)

Examined 20 goodness-of-fit indexes based on the minimum fit function using a simulation under the 2-group situation. Results support the use of the delta comparative fit index, delta Gamma hat, and delta McDonald's Noncentrality Index to evaluation measurement invariance. These three approaches are independent of model complexity and sample size.…

Develops a cultural transmission model with the following variables: worker entry and exit rate, organization growth rate, recruiting selectivity, socialization intensity, and the rate that socialization decays if not reinforced. A computer simulation of the model found that cultural systems in organizations are highly robust and reach equilibrium…

Presents a three-way, three-mode extension of the two-way, two-mode hierarchical classes model of P. De Boeck and S. Rosenberg (1998) for the analysis of individual differences in binary object x attribute arrays. Illustrates the model with data on psychiatric diagnosis and discusses the relation between the model and other extant models. (SLD)

Studied item and trait parameter recovery for Andrich's rating-scale model (D. Andrich, 1978) using the PARSCALE computer program. Simulation results suggest that Andrich's rating scale allows the use of considerably smaller calibration samples than are typically recommended for other polytomous item-response-theory models. (SLD)

The primacy model is presented as a new model of serial recall. This model stores order information by means of the assumption that the strength of activation of successive list items decreases across list position to form a primary gradient. The model produces accurate simulation of the effects of word length, list length, and phonological…

Discusses a rank-ordering exercise designed to highlight evaluation issues involved in development of simulation training activities. The rank-ordering exercise raised awareness of internal and external validity issues, and highlighted the need for evaluation "checks" to be made during the planning stages of any research of consultancy…

Describes available variance component tests and presents three new score tests. One test uses the asymptotic normal distribution of the test statistic as a reference distribution; the others use a Satterthwaite approximation for the null distribution of the test statistic. Evaluates the performance of these tests through Monte Carlo simulation.…

Combines procedures for single-level mediational analysis with multilevel modeling techniques to test mediational effects in clustered data appropriately. Compared, through simulation, the performance of these multilevel mediational models with that of single-level models in clustered data with various real-world characteristics. (SLD)

Compared effect sizes based on simulated groups for the one-parameter and three-parameter logistic item response theory (IRT) models. Data fit the three-parameter model much better, but there were only minimal differences between the effect sizes based on different models. (SLD)

For the exploratory analysis of a matrix of proximities or (dis)similarities between objects, one often uses cluster analysis (CA) or multidimensional scaling (MDS). Solutions resulting from such analyses are sometimes interpreted using external information on the objects. Usually the procedures of CA, MDS and using external information are…

This paper describes the construction of pedagogical environments in mathematics classes, centred on mathematical modelling and denominated "investigative scenarios", which stimulate students to investigation, to formulation of problems and to political reflection, as well as the sharing of acquired knowledge with other persons in the community.…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consider how simulations are increasingly used in training programs for the development of skills such as leadership. However, the requirements of leadership development go beyond the development of task specific procedural knowledge or expertise that simulations have typically been used to develop.…

Teachers know what a daunting job it can be to ensure that all students in a class learn effectively. In addition to the usual difficulties of gaining everyone's attention at once, instructors also run into the issue of preferred learning styles. In any classroom environment, the same topic is taught to multiple students, and each student may…

Reports on a process which allows active study of mutating the characteristics of a population of organisms. States that the program, written in C, should run on a MS/DOS system with 640K; CGA is required for graphics output. Describes implementation procedures and two examples using the program. (RT)