Computer modeling promotes mechanistic reasoning when learners build and analyze models of complex systems to explore causal mechanisms and use models to generate patterns. StarLogo Nova (SLN), an agent-based modeling (ABM) environment, enables novice programmers to model a system's individual components and investigate its emergent, collective…

Although many studies have focused on aggression or visual-spatial cognition effects of video games, the problem-solving aspects have been largely ignored. This study sought to expand the existing literature on video game effects by focusing on a rarely-tested outcome: creative production. As a game with few rules and a high amount of player…

A growing body of research suggests that growth in early literacy skills, including letter sound fluency, is predictive of later reading outcomes. In turn, educators and school psychologists use measures of letter sound fluency to monitor student response to early reading instruction. Limited research has evaluated whether decision-making…

A maximum marginal likelihood estimation with an expectation-maximization algorithm has been developed for estimating multigroup or mixture multidimensional item response theory models using the generalized partial credit function, graded response function, and 3-parameter logistic function. The procedure includes the estimation of item…

Learning introductory quantum physics is challenging, in part due to the different paradigms in classical mechanics and quantum physics. Classical mechanics is deterministic in that the equations of motion and the initial conditions fully determine a particle's trajectory. Quantum physics is an inherently probabilistic theory in that only…

Calibration of an item bank for computer adaptive testing requires substantial resources. In this study, we investigated whether the efficiency of calibration under the Rasch model could be enhanced by improving the match between item difficulty and student ability. We introduced targeted multistage calibration designs, a design type that…

Digitally simulated laboratory assessments (DSLAs) may be used to measure competencies such as problem solving and scientific inquiry because they provide an environment that allows the process of learning to be captured. These assessments provide many benefits that are superior to traditional hands-on laboratory tasks; as such, it is important to…

Advancements in item response theory (IRT) have led to models for dual dependence, which control for cluster and method effects during a psychometric analysis. Currently, however, this class of models does not include one that controls for when the method effects stem from two method sources in which one source functions differently across the…

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) has been deemed a critical twenty-first century competency for a variety of contexts. However, less attention has been given to work aimed at the assessment and acquisition of such capabilities. Recently large scale efforts have been devoted toward assessing CPS skills, but there are no agreed upon guiding…

The creativity of the brain is usually measured by one's creative behavior or activity. This study explores connections between an individual's creative behavior and his or her creative brain by asking each participant to design an open-ended virtual product in an integrated system consisting of virtual reality and brainwaves. The results show a…

Context: Though commonplace in medical education, standardized patients (SPs) have only recently been introduced into athletic training curricula. Limited research exists on students' perceptions of SPs as an evaluative and learning tool. Objective: To determine how students interact with SPs within their curricula and to explore students'…

Psychometric modeling has become a frequently used statistical tool in research on scientific reasoning. We review psychometric modeling practices in this field, including model choice, model testing, and researchers' inferences based on their psychometric practices. A review of 11 empirical research studies reveals that the predominant…

Cybersecurity capabilities in organizations and governmental agencies continue to lag behind the threats. Given the current environment, these entities have placed renewed emphasis on cybersecurity education. However, education appears to lack its full potential in most settings. Few empirical studies have systematically tested the efficacy of…

Colleges and universities are learning to provide relevant virtual lab experiences for students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even schools attempting in-person instruction often need to utilize virtual experiences for students absent due to quarantine or illness. Much of biochemistry is amenable to molecular visualization and/or computational…

The purpose of this study was to explore the implications of students' and teacher's creative configuration in the physical and virtual world. This analysis will be performed in a secondary school. Adopting a socio-material perspective, this paper focuses on embodiment configuration features for sense-making via new technology mediation. The…