Presents the results of a forum on the use and misuse of computer games and simulations. Questions from History Microcomputer Review (HMR) readers are edited and then presented to a panel of history professors who answer them individually. (BSR)

Examines a classroom project in which a computer simulation is used to teach about immigration. Points out that this simulation encourages students to develop analytical and decision making skills. Concludes that simulations of this kind challenge students to learn more. (BSR)

Describes a computer simulation of the U.S. Revolutionary War in which the student becomes an editorial writer for a New York-based newspaper in the 1760s. The students choose editorial policies and cover 27 selected events of the Revolutionary Era. Describes how these events were numerically characterized and accurately represented in the…

Comparisons are made between BILOG version 2.2 and LOGIST 5.0 version 2.5 in estimating the item parameters, traits, item characteristic functions, and test characteristic functions for the three-parameter logistic model. Speed and accuracy are reported for a number of 10, 20, and 40-item tests. (Author/GDC)

A Monte Carlo simulation was used to compare the Mahalanobis "D" Squared and the Comrey "Dk" methods of detecting outliers in data sets. Under the conditions investigated, the "D" Squared technique was preferable as an outlier removal statistic. (SLD)

A Monte Carlo study, involving 6,000 "computer subjects" and three raters, explored the reliability of the inverse screen test for cluster analysis. Results indicate that the inverse screen may be a useful and reliable cluster analytic technique for determining the number of true groups. (TJH)

A life-sized cardiovascular patient simulator was used in medical education in a standard sophomore physical skills test. Significant gains were found in overall student scores and in assessment of interpretation of carotid pulses and precordial auscultation. Students did not make significant gains in jugular venous pulse or precordial motion…

This article outlines issues and practices related to the philosophy of simulations and the relationship between traditional simulation techniques and computer technology. Introduces the articles in this special issue and concludes by discussing various problems related to computer simulation, modeling, design, and evaluation. (Author/BSR)

Outlines the development and use of a role-playing exercise formulated to help students understand issues related to affirmative action and the controversy surrounding that debate. (Author/BSR)

Describes commercial examples of computerized adventure games that have much to offer language learning. Features for such a program are suggested, and the means by which these programs can be modified for instructional purposes are discussed. (Author/CB)

Lists 12 simulation programs covering respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, chemoregulation of respiration, ventilation/perfusion relationships, and acid-base balance. Describes the structure of a typical program and shows how the programs are used during lecture and laboratory sessions. (JN)

The purpose of this evaluation of DEMOS, a system for decision modeling and uncertainty analysis, was to identify some generic issues of interest in the design of such information systems, obtain insights about the causes of problems in their use, and to suggest hypotheses about how to deal with them. (EM)

Discusses the nature of current college history students and explains why microcomputer simulations aid their learning of history. Concludes that students vary in their view of simulations, and that even good simulations are no substitute for an informed, thoughtful, and sensitive teacher. (JDH)

This article summarizes seven currently available microcomputer simulations for history. The seven included are: Government Simulations (Prentice-Hall, 1984), Nomination (Brady Company, 1984), Tigers in the Snow (Strategic Simulations, 1981), Lincoln's Decisions (Educational Activities, 1982), Watergate Simulation (Social Science Research and…

Reviews TIGERS IN THE SNOW: THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE (Strategic Simulations),and the BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG (Softwride). Each narrative review describes the hardware required and provides complete ordering information. (JDH)