Discusses a design-feature framework for analyzing "simulations" in realistic-communication activities in foreign language classrooms. The link between design factors and two aspects of student language (quantity of output and topic-structure) with reference to two "simulation-type" activities are examined. (30 references) (GLR)

The derivation of the variance of similarity judgments is made from the 3-D process in nonlinear psychophysics. The idea of separability of dimensions in metric space theories of similarity is replaced by one parameter that represents the degree of a form of interdimensional cross-sampling. (SLD)

Using simulation, the effect that misspecification of elements in the weight matrix has on estimates of basic parameters of the linear logistic test model was studied. Results indicate that, because specifying elements of the weight matrix is a subjective process, it must be done with great care. (SLD)

A unidimensional model for responses to statements that have an unfolding structure was constructed from the cumulative Rasch model for ordered response categories. A joint maximum likelihood estimation procedure was investigated. Analyses of data from a small simulation and a real data set show that the model is readily applicable. (SLD)

Data from 706 (of 2,000) secondary students participating in the Jason "telepresence" (an undersea exploration simulation) showed that (1) complex interventions may be necessary; (2) middle school may be the appropriate target; (3) no significant sex differences in science attitudes appeared; and (4) pairing of male and female teachers…

Describes how successful teamwork, group decision making and valuable real-world experience resulted from an experiment between two universities to introduce a media buying simulation game into their media planning courses. Relates how students in teams took roles of either media buyers at advertising agencies or media sales representatives at…

Examined whether providing item review on a computerized adaptive test could be used by examinees to inflate their scores. Two studies involving 139 undergraduates suggest that examinees are not highly proficient at discriminating item difficulty. A simulation study showed the usefulness of a strategy identified by G. Kingsbury (1996) as a way to…

Used simulation to compare the ability of maximum likelihood (ML) and generalized least-squares (GLS) estimation to provide theoretic fit in models that are parsimonious representations of a true model. The better empirical fit obtained for GLS, compared with ML, was obtained at the cost of lower theoretic fit. (Author/SLD)

Reports on the development of a laboratory exercise that would allow students to explore the concept of genetic drift. Discusses the concept of genetic drift that is coincident with natural selection and that closely models the real world. (DDR)

Computer-assisted language-learning literature points to a need for experimentation with innovative learning structures to realize the full potential of recent technological developments. Reports on a research project that addresses these concerns by exploring the experiences of 23 French second-language learners as they worked independently with…

Presents a classroom simulation in which one firm pollutes the water used by another. Includes a detailed outline and discussion of the preparations and materials required, and the procedure for running the simulation. Argues that students learn how property rights provide a market solution to pollution costs. (DSK)

Sequential, standardized patient-based tests were given to medical students at the University of Maastricht (Netherlands); the first test was a screening test that evaluated the efficiency/validity of cutoff scores. Findings indicated that stringent pass/fail cutoff scores on the screening test produced optimal results. Fewer than 0.2 percent of…

This study evaluated the use of video-delivered simulations of child maltreatment as a mean of probing the personal safety knowledge of young children. It was concluded that such an approach is methodologically difficult and ethically problematic and controversial. Concerns about possible harm to participants and difficulties in obtaining…

Outlines a nine-step structure for debriefing an international business culture simulation. Stresses the need to address three stages in the experiential learning cycle: reflection, processing, and transfer. Appendices include the specific simulation used and a debriefing note. (DB)

A Monte Carlo study was conducted using simulated dichotomous data to determine the effects of guessing on Rasch item fit statistics and the Logit Residual Index. Results indicate that no significant differences were found between the mean Rasch item fit statistics for each distribution type as the probability of guessing the correct answer…