Although the topological index does not uniquely correspond to the individual structure of a graph, it roughly represents the topological nature of the graph. Examples are given for using the topological index as a first sorting device for coding and retrieving structures, especially of fused polycyclic systems. (14 references) (Author/NH)

Describes the procedure for determining the readability of a book or article in terms of approximate grade level. (CHC)

Concepts of ordinal network representation are discussed. Notation (the type of data that can be represented) and the type of representation given are reviewed. The idea of reduced ordinal networks is explored; and the algorithm, uniqueness results, and error handling problems are presented. Examples of data analysis are included. (SLD)

Results of this simulated study indicate that, when unidimensional stimulus sets are scaled in two dimensions using a rational starting configuration, the nature of the two-dimensional configuration can indicate the general form of the function mapping psychological dissimilarity--represented as distance in the scaling model--onto the observed…

The manner in which the conditional independence graph of a multiway contingency table affects the fitting and interpretation of the Goodman association model and of correspondence analysis is considered. Estimation of row and column scores is presented through a framework that includes both models. (SLD)

Introduces a new inferential test for acyclic structural equation models (SEM) without latent variables or correlated errors. The test is based on the independence relations predicted by the directed acyclic graph of the SEMs, as given by the concept of d-separation. A wide range of distributional assumptions and structural functions can be…

Describes a study in which secondary school students were called upon to read and interpret documents containing images of real-time kinematics graphs specially designed to address common learning problems and minimize iconic difficulties. Makes suggestions regarding the acquisition of some specific capabilities that are needed to avoid…

This study analyzes the interpretive activities of scientists related to familiar and unfamiliar graphs. The analyses show that when scientists were familiar with a graph, they read it transparently and thereby leapt beyond the material basis to the thing the graph is said to be about. In contrast, when scientists were less familiar with the…

Avoiding statistical mistakes is important for educators at all levels. Basic concepts will help you to avoid making mistakes using statistics and to look at data with a critical eye. Statistical data is used at educational institutions for many purposes. It can be used to support budget requests, changes in educational philosophy, changes to…

There has been a lot of material written about logarithmic spirals of golden proportion but this author states that he has never come across an article that states the exact equation of the spiral which ultimately spirals tangentially to the sides of the rectangles. In this article, the author intends to develop such an equation. (Contains 5…

Three studies were conducted to examine the relation of spatial visualization to solving kinematics problems that involved either predicting the two-dimensional motion of an object, translating from one frame of reference to another, or interpreting kinematics graphs. In Study 1, 60 physics-naive students were administered kinematics problems and…

This study investigates the role of graphing calculators in multiple representations for knowledge transfer and the omission of oversimplification in complex function graphs. The main aim is to examine whether graphing calculators were used efficiently to see different cases and multiple perspectives among complex function graphs, or whether…

The purpose of this study was to investigate undergraduate students' performance while exposed to complementary computational modelling activities to improve physics learning, using the software "Modellus." Interpretation of kinematics graphs was the physics topic chosen for investigation. The theoretical framework adopted was based on Halloun's…