Presents decision-theoretic models which intrinsically include retrieval of multiple documents whereby system responds to request by presenting documents to patron in sequence, gathering feedback, and using information to modify future retrievals. Document independence model, set retrieval model, sequential retrieval model, learning model,…

How a computer randomly generates numbers to turn off lighted blocks on a graphics display is discussed. A computer program is given after reviewing a definition and two theorems and applying them to the problem. (MNS)

Presents information retrieval design approach in which queries of computer-based system consist of sets of terms, either unweighted or weighted with subjective term precision estimates, and retrieval outputs ranked by probability of usefulness estimated by "maximum entropy principle." Boolean and weighted request systems are discussed.…

The lesson described first involved tossing a pair of dice and recording on a graph the sum produced on each roll. Pupils examined questions such as which sum occurred most often. The second part involved a graph that indicated which types of sums were most likely to occur. (Author/MP)

Discusses the importance of teaching students when to seek deterministic explanations and when to seek probabilistic ones, pointing out that there are situations in which each is appropriate and inappropriate. Several examples illustrating the appropriateness of these explanations are provided. (JN)

The game of Yahtzee is analyzed to some extent through methods of elementary probability. Several different problems are posed, and these serve to illustrate both mathematical concerns and game play strategy. Solutions are provided to all questions at the conclusion and suggestions for further questions are presented. (MP)

Uses bibliometric techniques in the development of a model of the distribution of demand for items in an information store. The hypothesis of hyperbolic distribution and an index of differential demand are also discussed. One table, two figures, and a 10-item reference list accompany the text. (Author/JL)

The computer is in the process of becoming an important aid to the teaching of statistics and probability at the middle and secondary levels. Examples show ways in which the computer can facilitate learning of mathematical concepts through tutoring, simulation, and computation. (JN)

Monte Carlo methods are used to simulate activities in baseball such as a team's "hot streak" and a hitter's "batting slump." Student participation in such simulations is viewed as a useful method of giving pupils a better understanding of the probability concepts involved. (MP)

Results of the second mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) are analyzed with regard to the performance of 13- and 17-year-olds on probability exercises. The results suggest that this area has been neglected in mathematics instruction. (MP)

This study, conducted with children 4 to 11 years old, indicates that probability concepts could be introduced early in the elementary grades. (MK)

Using locus of control personality scores from a sample of White adults, with education and income controlled, this study found that divorced persons were significantly more internal than married persons. The cross-sectional data does not unravel the issue of causal direction. (Author)

The mental health status of Bowling Green State University undergraduates is examined to: (1) estimate the prevalence of psychological impairment; (2) put these data into context with previous prevalence research; (3) identify variables characteristic of high risk groups; and (4) explore consistency in such predictors across campuses. (JMF)

Some examples of typical nonrelevant textbook problems on probability are followed by more complex problems pulled from the real world. The resource used in this report is Newsweek magazine; and is used to help demonstrate that from the very beginning, lessons on conditional probability can have relevance. (MP)

This annotated bibliography includes activities with calculators in the areas of computational skills, geometry, measurement, number pattern recognition, and probability. (MK)