The concept of a qualitative model provides a unifying perspective for understanding how expert systems differ from conventional programs. Knowledge bases contain qualitative models of systems in the world, that is, primarily non-numeric descriptions that provide a basis for explaining and predicting behavior and formulating action plans. The…

The report describes activities and results of the second year of the Special Education Planning Model (SEPM), designed to help planners and policymakers estimate special education program needs and costs. SEPM uses a computer simulation based on users' assumptions and priorities in such areas as incidence rates, handicapping conditions to be…

The distribution of a certain item response theory (IRT) based person fit index to identify systematic types of aberrance is discussed. For the Rasch model, it is proved that: (1) the joint distribution of subtest-residuals (the components of the index) is asymptotically multivariate normal; and (2) the distribution of the index is asymptotically…

Methods and indices based on item response theory (IRT) for detecting and diagnosing aberrant response patterns are reviewed. These indices are divided into three groups: (1) residuals-based; (2) likelihood-based; and (3) ratio of covariances-based (extended cautions). For each index, the determination of its sampling distribution as well as its…

This paper recommends the use of a computer simulation about trade and tariff negotiations to reinforce and apply principles learned in undergraduate international trade courses and to provide students with an opportunity to use the advanced features of Symphony, a computer spreadsheet. This simulation is a game in which both the class and…

Based on a workshop on vision research issues in flight-training simulators held in June 1980, this report focuses on approaches for the conduct of research on what visual information is needed for simulation and how it can best be presented. An introduction gives an overview of the workshop and describes the contents of the report. Section 1…

This simple method for simulating the Central Limit Theorem with students in a beginning nonmajor statistics class requires students to use dice to simulate drawing samples from a discrete uniform distribution. On a chalkboard, the distribution of sample means is superimposed on a graph of the discrete uniform distribution to provide visual…

This paper describes a demonstration of an instructional package consisting of original, interactive microcomputer-based simulations and accompanying faculty and student guides designed to assist in teaching introductory psychology. An Apple IIe computer and color monitor were used. The paper contains: (1) a purpose statement; (2) a brief summary…

An experiment involving the introduction of two different budgeting methods into a simulated educational organization was carried out using internal and external change agents. An overall view of conflict in the budgeting process is suggested, and the implications of the apparent superiority of the PPBS approach are reviewed. (Author)

The Lester Hill Corporation is the name of an office simulation enterprise for the distribution of hotel and motel equipment. The article contains a sampling of comments from teachers and students (the "branch offices") regarding the simulation's effectiveness. (AG)

Education for the future must avoid the hardening of categories that predisposes one to future shock. (JH)

A method of estimating the number of duplicate copies of books needed based on a computer simulation which takes into account number of copies available, number of loans, total underlying demand, satisfaction level, percentage time on shelf. (LS)

Computer simulation studies of the proposed model are presented. Processes demonstrated are (1) verbally directed recall of visual experience; (2) understanding of verbal information; (3) aspects of learning and forgetting; (4) the dependence of recognition and understanding in context; and (5) elementary concepts of sentence production. (Author)

A game based on a simulated plea bargaining leads to understanding of negotiation, compromise and decision-making skills as well as information about the criminal justice process. (Author/KM)

To learn something of the experience Canadian administrators have had in the use of quantitative models, a brief questionnaire was sent to 126 Canadian educational agencies. Presents some categorical statements about the experience reported, and gives author's opinion on what has caused the present condition. (Author/JF)