A Monte Carlo simulation evaluated conditions that contribute to excessively high coefficients of congruence when fitting one factor pattern matrix into the space of a targeted pattern. Results support the conclusion that orthogonal Procrustes methods of factor rotation do produce spurious coefficients between predictor and criterion factor…

Wageningen Agricultural University's use of systems approaches and simulation for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education suggests the following elements are necessary: (1) congruence between the aims/interests of teachers and participants; (2) appropriate course level; (3) applicability to relevant research fields; and (4) a range of…

Factors in successful implementation of simulation in construction education are as follows: (1) considering human factors and feedback effects; (2) focusing on tradeoffs between with managerial decisions and construction policies; and (3) developing a standalone tool that runs on any platform. Case studies demonstrated the effectiveness of these…

Studied the efficiency and robustness of alternative estimators of regression coefficients for three-level data. A simulation study shows that, as expected, the hierarchical model analyses produced more efficient point estimates than did analyses that ignored the covariance structure in the data, even when the normality assumption was violated.…

Reports on several simulation programs that can be used to teach the statistical foundations of thermal physics in introductory college physics courses. (Author/YDS)

Distinguishes the role of fidelity in learning from its role in assessment as a function of skill level. Suggests that the existence of an optimal point beyond which one additional unit of flight-simulator fidelity results in a diminished rate of practical assessment of nonexpert pilot performance. (Contains 33 references.) (Author/JOW)

Examined the effectiveness of the Sympson-Hetter technique and rotated content balancing relative to no exposure control and no content rotation conditions in a computerized adaptive testing system based on the partial credit model. Simulation results show the Sympson-Hetter technique can be used with minimal impact on measurement precision,…

Describes how a stock market simulation can be an excellent tool for motivating students to learn real-world mathematics in a middle school classroom. Details four activities that can accompany the simulation. (Contains 12 references.) (YDS)

Developed an EM type algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation of a general nonlinear structural equation model in which the E-step is completed by a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. Illustrated the methodology with results from a simulation study and two real examples using data from previous studies. (SLD)

Traces the evolution of the corporate university, which combines traditional management tools with new learning process models, bridging strategic theory and real-time learning. Advocates the need for movement away from traditional cognitive paradigms, suggesting the use of image simulations and metamanagement thinking. (SK)

Human patient simulators are computerized mannequins that present patient scenarios in which nursing students learn to assess critical health incidents. Their use involves faculty time and commitment, maintenance and upgrading investment, and careful scenario preparation. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)

Command and Control Training Using Simulation (CACTUS) is a computer digital mapping system used by police to manage large-scale public events. Audio and video records of adaptive training scenarios using CACTUS show how the simulation develops decision-making skills for strategic and tactical event management. (SK)

Efforts to teach basic helping skills to counselors in training using computer assisted simulation continue to evolve. Recent commercial releases include integration of compressed video and text to allow students to view client/counselor interactions and make choices regarding response categories. (Contains 28 references.) (Author)

Asserts that intensive family simulation provides a bridge between classroom role plays and supervised practicums in family-therapy training. Presents such a simulation method and describes specific techniques in three distinct phases of intensive family simulation: family building, therapy simulation, and debriefing. (Author/NB)

A convention commonly used to describe interaction effects within moderated regression frameworks was examined through logical exposition and a Monte Carlo approach to simulate various moderator conditions. Results, which indicate that the convention may lead to incorrect inferences, are discussed in terms of interpreting moderator effects. (SLD)