A recursive equation is proposed for computing higher order derivatives of elementary symmetric functions in the Rasch model. A simulation study indicates a small loss in accuracy for the proposed formula compared to Gustafsson's sum algorithm (1980) for computing higher order derivatives when tests contain 60 items or less. (SLD)

A discipline in which scientists seek to simulate and synthesize lifelike behaviors within computers, chemical mixtures, and other media is discussed. A computer program with self-replicating digital "organisms" that evolve as they compete for computer time and memory is described. (KR)

A simple procedure for measuring changes in the acoustic impedance of the ear is described. The technique has several applications, including simulation using a standard coupler of changes in real ear impedance produced by the acoustic reflex, and calibration of response time of an otoadmittance meter. (Author/DB)

Discussion of the interpolation methodology expounded by Goosen and Kusel to model business functions for simulation design criticizes the approach's simplicity because interactive effects between variables in the functional relationships are not considered. (six references) (EA)

Advantages of simulation are link between classroom and real experience, experiment with risk, intensive focus, and reflection on experience. It can involve rigorous and time-consuming preparation, unpredictable outcomes, and trainee resistance. Facilitators need good coaching skills and personal sensitivity. (SK)

Meaningful role plays have three phases: warm-up, which creates an environment that fosters interaction and overcomes resistance; action, during which protagonists and auxiliaries are chosen and the action is periodically frozen for reflection and feedback; and closure, to reinforce learning and plan its integration into job performance. (SK)

Simulated population data were used to compare relative performances of the modification index and C. Chou and P. M. Bentler's Lagrange multiplier test (a multivariate generalization of a modification index) for four levels of model misspecification. Both indices failed to recover the true model except at the lowest level of misspecification. (SLD)

Coordination is a key issue in the design of organizational structures and processes. In this article, the authors propose a body of concepts that support the modeling and computer simulation of organizational processes and organizational coordination. Three aspect models are described that highlight different coordination aspects, and future…

Investigated the effects of types and prevalence of response patterns that might be provided by nonattending respondents on Cronbach's alpha (L. Cronbach, 1970) using three simulated data sets. Effects were greater as a function of increased prevalence in the respondent group, but as few as 5% of some types of nonattending patterns had inflating…

Examined the effects of model misspecification on the precision of decisions made using the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) in computer testing. Simulation results show that the one-parameter logistic model produced more errors than the true model. (SLD)

Describes the developmental process used to visualize the calcium ATPase enzyme of the sarcoplasmic reticulum which involves evaluating scientific information, consulting scientists, model making, storyboarding, and creating and editing in a computer medium. (Author/CCM)

Discusses how to train teams in problem-solving skills. Topics include team training, the use of technology, instructional strategies, simulations and training, theoretical framework, and an event-based approach for training teams to perform in naturalistic environments. Contains 68 references. (Author/LRW)

Examined the optimal value of "k" for promax factor rotations through a Monte Carlo study involving 10,080 factor analyses. Results show that in factor-analytic studies using promax, the value of "k" may be set appropriately at 2, 3, or 4. (Author/SLD)

Proposes a parallel distributed-processing (PDP) model to account for choice-reaction-time performance in diverse cognitive and perceptual tasks that are interrelated in terms of stimulus-stimulus and stimulus-response overlap. Simulation results support the PDP model. (SLD)

Describes a simulation activity that has most of the features of a real situation. Discusses how this activity worked in the language classroom. (Author/VWL)