Wilcox has described three probability models which characterize a single test item in terms of a population of examinees (ED 156 718). This note indicates indicates that similar models can be derived which characterize a single examinee in terms of an item domain. A numerical illustration is given. (Author/JKS)

The computer is used to simulate repetitions of games used in teaching expected value. Details of the games and the computer programs are given. (MP)

Describes a new method of evaluating multiple choice examinations by measuring the entropy state of a student's examination above the "thermal background level," and shows that the entropy grade contains standard scoring as a special case. (Author/GA)

Each of 96 college females and 95 college males were randomly assigned to either a high or a low subjective probability of outstanding performance condition. The findings are contrary to predictions based on the fear of success hypothesis. Implications of the results for the fear of success hypothesis are discussed. (Author)

A hypothesis testing and estimation procedure, Crossing SIBTEST, is presented for detecting crossing differential item functioning (DIF), which exists when the difference in probabilities of a correct answer for two examinee groups changes signs as ability level is varied. The procedure estimates the matching subtest score at which crossing…

Presents a Monte Carlo simulation on probability using a telephone directory as a pseudorandom-number generator. Claims that Monte Carlo simulations offer a way to teach probability concretely and with understanding and that students enjoy the probability experiments. (ASK)

Presents a sample of Probability Carnival activities and suggests how they might be adapted for the classroom. (KHR)

Describes a study that investigated document retrieval relevance based on document length in an experimental text collection. Topics include term weighting and document ranking, retrieval strategies such as the vector-space cosine match, and a modified technique called the pivoted cosine normalization. (LRW)

Investigates an interesting application of probability in the world of sports. Considers the role of permutations in the lottery system used by the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States to determine the order in which nonplayoff teams select players from the college ranks. Presents a lesson on this topic in which students work…

Describes a FORTRAN software program that calculates the probability of an observed difference between agreement measures obtained from two independent sets of raters. An example illustrates the use of the DIFFER program in evaluating undergraduate essays. (Author/SLD)

A nonmetric algorithm, pairwise partitioning, is developed to identify feature-based similarity structures. Presents theorems about the validity of the features identified by the algorithm, and reports results of Monte Carlo simulations that estimate the probabilities of identifying valid features for different feature structures and amounts of…

The development and scoring of a recently introduced computer-based writing skills test is described. The test asks the examinee to edit a writing passage presented on a computer screen. Scoring difficulties are addressed through the combined use of option weighting and the sequential probability ratio test. (SLD)

Discusses the importance of research on the use of mathematical, logical, and formal methods in information retrieval to help enhance retrieval effectiveness and clarify underlying concepts of information retrieval. Highlights include logic; probability; spaces; and future research needs. (Author/LRW)

Presents a word problem designed to encourage students to create systematic methods for counting and develop probability concepts. Involves sharing eight cookies between three people. (KHR)

Describes designing, implementing, and evaluating a teaching experiment that traced the evolution of mathematical practices associated with the way Basotho students in the 4th and 5th grades grow in probabilistic thinking, especially sample space and probability of an event. Focuses on small sample experimenting and analysis of sample space…