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,…

This guide for teachers is a companion piece to the meta-analysis from the Center on Instruction, "Mathematics Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities or Difficulty Learning Mathematics: A Synthesis of the Intervention Research". Based on the findings of this report, seven effective instructional practices were identified for teaching…

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to synthesize findings from 42 interventions (randomized control trials and quasi-experimental studies) on instructional approaches that enhance the mathematics proficiency of students with learning disabilities. We examined the impact of four categories of instructional components: (a) approaches to…

This article discusses a study of three Australian middle-years teachers who deployed Learning by Design principles and practice to support multiliteracies learning through students' production of digital/multimodal texts. The aim of the research was to develop an understanding of how three teachers embraced new e-learning pedagogical designs for…

The American economy has had the fastest and most dramatic development of all the world's major economies. Four hundred years ago, the economic output of the area that became the United States was negligible by world standards. Yet only 250 years later, the U.S. economy had become the largest in the world, surpassing all other countries, including…

Employing Searle's views, I begin by arguing that students of Mathematics behave similarly to machines that manage symbols using a set of rules. I then consider two types of Mathematics, which I call "Cognitive Mathematics" and "Technical Mathematics" respectively. The former type relates to concepts and meanings, logic and sense, whilst the…