Eighty graduate students and faculty estimated the correlation coefficient for each of 13 computer-printed scatterplots. As predicted, subjects underestimated the degree of actual correlation. With substantial moderation by a method-of-presentation factor, this underestimation was most pronounced in the middle of the correlational range.…

Describes a rapid computer technique for plotting Eh-pH diagrams using a line printer. (MLH)

According to responses from 306 of 750 administrative support personnel, 126 used presentation graphics software, mostly PowerPoint or Harvard Graphics; 51.7% received formal training and 48.3% informal training; those with formal training used significantly more features of the software and produced more materials. (SK)

Follows the decision-making process for an embedded help solution to replace a help system that had trained users not to use it. Discusses solutions for implementing embedded help. Considers how to design a solution that not only lures users back to the user assistance, but also encourages users to learn more about the product. (SG)

This paper reviews the role of the item in test construction, and suggests some new methods of item analysis. A look at dynamic, graphical item analysis is provided that uses the advantages of modern, high-speed, highly interactive computing. Several illustrations are provided. (Author/TJH)

Critiques existing approaches to computerized support for browsing and describes four new types of browsers that have been implemented in the Xerox NoteCards hypertext system. These browsers support the process of pursuing and returning from digressions and facilitate the integration of diverse sets of materials that have been browsed. (16…

Discussion of the factors that should be considered when purchasing or upgrading a microcomputer focuses on the MS-DOS and OS/2 operating systems. Macintosh purchasing decisions are discussed in a sidebar. A glossary is provided. (CLB)

Describes implementation, support, and evaluation of computer assisted learning (CAL) projects at three universities: Project Athena at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the Andrew network at Carnegie Mellon University; and a project at Stanford University. Topics discussed include work stations, microcomputers, computer networks, graphics,…

Considers ethical questions related to the copying and use of information from World Wide Web sites, especially graphics. Copyright violation, control of distribution, commercial online users, problems of perception, asking permission, and standards of ethical behavior are discussed. (LRW)

Presents an overview of the problems and techniques involved in visualizing humans in a three-dimensional scene. Topics discussed include human shape modeling, including shape creation and deformation; human motion control, including facial animation and interaction with synthetic actors; and human rendering and clothing, including textures and…

Discusses computer-generated design, considers the theory of dynamic symmetry, and addresses the question of abstraction and simulation. Computer-generated abstraction is compared with traditional abstract paintings on canvas, and the use of video discs to create new images and expand the visual language of the artist designer is described. (three…

Through the use of graphic computer simulation, this paper analyzes the combinatorial and geometric mathematics underlying a four-dimensional variation of the Rubik's Cube. This variation is called the Rubik's Tesseract and has dimensions, 3 x 3 x 3 x 3. (JJK)

Discussion of instructional transaction theory focuses on knowledge representation in an automated instructional design expert system. A knowledge structure called PEA-Net (processes, entities, and activities) is explained; the refrigeration process is used as an example; text resources and graphic resources are described; and simulations are…

Defines transposition operations (changing the way the display of the model proceeds) in diagrams within computer graphics. Describes transpositions that are spatial (moving the point of view or the point viewed), procedural (changing the flow of time), or organizational (arranging multiple simultaneous views and interjecting auxiliary measuring…

Graphical User Interface (GUI)--and its variant, pen computing--is rapidly replacing older types of operating environments. Despite its heavier demand for processing power, GUI has many advantages. (SK)