A numerical procedure is outlined for obtaining an interval estimate of a parameter in an empirical Bayes estimation problem. The case where each observed value x has a binomial distribution, conditional on a parameter zeta, is the only case considered. For each x, the parameter estimated is the expected value of zeta given x. The main purpose is…

This study examines quantification of the instructional process through the use of Markov chaining, and by considering the transition probabilities within a framework provided by the taxonomy used, attempts to obtain information about behavior sequences common to all lessons. (Author/DLG)

The objective of this research was to explore changes in occupational expectations of a sample of Texas youth within the framework of Ginzberg's formulation of "increasing realism of choice." Using standard multiple regression procedures, changes over time in level of occupational expectations were analyzed with respect to 4 sets of…

Five activity lessons are proposed to present applications of probability and to exhibit its use in conjunction with statistics as a major decision-making and problem-solving tool. (MP)

Student's empirical sampling approach is used to assess the magnitude of the sampling errors of statistics describing a recursive causal model. The data were gathered with four complex sample designs commonly used in educational surveys. Jackknife and half-sample error estimates are applied to the data. (Author/CTM)

An "inference can" is described, with two games that allow students to observe and predict events, define population, and draw samples. (MP)

Focus is on two areas: (1) the factors available to the selection committee when students apply for admission into graduate programs, and (2) those factors emerging after admission, resulting from students' meeting program-imposed requirements for graduation. Program variables are shown to be more important than admission variables. (Author/LBH)

Presents noncalculus approximation techniques for two normal distribution problems. These methods may be useful projects for lower-level undergraduate statistics and computer science students. (PK)

Describes a series of activities without conclusions to introduce scientific reasoning in a ninth grade physical science course. Uses popcorn popping to get students to think about the concepts of graphing, histograms, frequency, probability, and scientific methodology. (CW)

Described is a unit, SAMPLING, which focuses on developing student understanding of probability and data collection for junior high school students. Activities in SAMPLING incorporate physical materials, simple computer simulations, surveys of subjective data, computer simulations of complex situations, and a culminating activity requiring the…

Forty-eight students with no previous exposure to probability or statistics read one of three textbooks that varied in emphasis placed on rote and conceptual learning of basic elementary probability concepts. Findings, among others, show students who read textbooks emphasizing conceptual learning tended to be less sensitive to surface features.…

Using data from the High School and Beyond, this article presents statistical procedures to estimate the effect of dropping out of high school on cognitive achievement test scores. Each sampled dropout is matched to a student remaining in the same school. Methods for addressing the possible omission of covariates are described. (BS)

Examines hypotheses and strategies used by children at the kindergarten, second-, fourth- and sixth-grade levels in making proportional judgements. The task involved 36 trials in which the child had to choose between two groups to obtain a target-color "chip." Results generally conformed to the developmental sequence proposed by Piaget…

A problem from a course called "Introduction to Gambling" is described. A flowchart and a computer program are included. (MNS)

Stereology is the study of three-dimensional objects through the interpretation of two-dimensional images. Stereological techniques used in introductory botany to quantitatively examine changes in leaf anatomy in response to different environments are discussed. (JN)