This paper outlines two types of discriminant analysis, predictive discriminant analysis (PDA) and descriptive discriminant analysis (DDA). Important differences between PDA and DDA are introduced and discussed using a heuristic data set, specifically indicating the portions of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) output relevant…

This paper considers the use of heuristic methodology as a research vehicle for new science investigations in education. The paper describes heuristic methodology and its use as a means of new science-based research in schools. It also describes how heuristic methodology was used in a 2002 study to explain educational practices through the…

Discusses algorithmic problem solving in computer science education, particularly algorithmic insight, and focuses on the relevance and effectiveness of the heuristic simplifying constraints which involves simplification of a given problem to a problem in which constraints are imposed on the input data. Presents three examples involving…

Discussion of Web linking behavior and how to define a Web document focuses on a study of United Kingdom university Web sites that investigated the association between research productivity of the university and the number of incoming links from its peers' Web sites. Defines three alternative heuristics for counting links. (LRW)

Proposes a mathematical model to explain the observed concentration or diversity of nominal classes in information retrieval systems. The Lorenz Curve is discussed, Information Production Process (IPP) is explained, and a heuristic explanation of circumstances in which the model might be used is offered. (30 references) (LRW)

Three experienced and eight novice physicians were asked to solve three problems. Results indicated that the ability to incorporate contextual information contributed to effective solutions. Experienced physicians tended to use more inclusive approaches, although both groups demonstrated premature diagnostic bias. (SK)

Demonstrates how the tragedy of the 1986 space shuttle "Challenger" provides an example of how communication through memos and letters concerning O-ring problems went awry. Presents some methods by which the technical writing teacher might incorporate this material into their writing curricula. (HB)

Examines tasks from the heuristics and biases literature in light of the understanding/acceptance principle of P. Slovic and A. Tversky (1974). Shows how the variation and instability of responses can be analyzed to yield inferences about why descriptive and normative models of human reasoning and decision making sometimes do not coincide.…

Describes a new theory of likelihood judgments based on D. L. Hintzman's (1984, 1988) MINERVA2 memory model. The model, MINERVA-DM (decision making), accounts for a wide range of likelihood-judgment phenomena. Extends the model to expert-probability judgment and shows how MINERVA-DM can account for both good and poor calibration (overconfidence)…

Analyzes how one disciplinary design heuristic influenced the production of both a computer system and a specification text for the system to investigate how heuristics used for rhetorical invention and design might be related. Indicates that disciplinary heuristics and rhetorical topics overlap in design; however, the rhetorical character of…

The observed effectiveness and efficacy of discovery learning in simulated environments is reviewed, along with problems learners may encounter in discovery learning. How simulations can be combined with instructional support is discussed. Successful discovery learning is related to reasoning from hypotheses, applying the discovery process, and…

A hypothesized data set is used to illustrate that canonical correlation analysis is a general linear model, subsuming other parametric procedures as special cases. Specific techniques included in analyses are t tests, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance, and discriminant analysis. (SLD)

Tests the hypothesis that processing strategy moderates the effect of television viewing on social perceptions of undergraduate students (cultivation effect). Examines views on prevalence of crime, occupations, affluence, and marital discord. Indicates that processing strategy moderated the cultivation effect such that cultivation effects were…

Notes that researchers have found that asking probing questions of message source does not enhance deception detection accuracy. Considers how probing does increase recipient and observer perceptions of source honesty, a finding labeled the "probing effect." Examines three potential explanations for the probing effect: behavior adaptation,…

We tested the impact of associative strength and retrieval heuristics in false source memory. We arranged 12-item associative lists in descending order of backward associative strength to a critical non-presented item and then split them into 6-item sub-lists at the median. High- and low-strength sub-lists were correlated with presentation source.…