The problem of obtaining designs that result in the most precise parameter estimates is encountered in at least two situations where item response theory (IRT) models are used. In so-called two-stage testing procedures, certain designs that match difficulty levels of the test items with the ability of the examinees may be located. Such designs…

The construction of parallel tests from item response theory (IRT) based item banks is discussed. Tests are considered parallel whenever their information functions are identical. After the methods for constructing parallel tests are considered, the computational complexity of 0-1 linear programming and the heuristic procedure applied are…

"Child as cultural apprentice" is a developmental psychologist's heuristic metaphor which is embedded in an individual-socioecological frame of reference. A basic theoretic feature of this metaphor is the explicit recognition of the interdependence of the process of child development and the socially provided resources for that…

This report of an ongoing research project intended to provide computer assistance to Army units for the scheduling of training focuses on the feasibility of simulated annealing, a heuristic approach for solving scheduling problems. Following an executive summary and brief introduction, the document is divided into three sections. First, the Army…

Introduces the concept of cover coefficient to indexing theory and discusses a way of computing term discrimination values by using the cover coefficient concept, index-term selection, and weight modification. This method is compared to an approach that uses similarity coefficients. (Author/EM)

Describes a staff development framework having four main components: a definition, a mapping sentence, a description of participant roles, and an evaluation perspective. Conditions are discussed for judging the worth of staff development activities, and examples of such activities are analyzed to show how the evaluation perspective is used in…

Proposes a continuum of lines of inquiry applicable to many of the human sciences. Illustrates the continuum by discussing the approaches of Sigmund Freud, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim. Suggests uses of the continuum as an aid to invention and as a method of analysis. (RAE)

Discussion of checklists and their variations--job aids, algorithms, heuristics, and decision tables--covers what they are, how they are generated, and some implications of checklisting for instruction, evaluation, and learning. Examples of various kinds of checklists and 11 references are provided. (MBR)

Describes the Whimbey-Lochhead approach to help students develop problem-solving skills, providing instructions for using the approach in instructional programs. Includes a list of 70 tactics or heuristics used (or misused) in problem solving. Other ideas and information from books and articles on problem solving are included. (JN)

This two-part study examined complex decision-making (making a diagnosis) by psychiatric clinicians. In experiment one, 100 psychiatric clinicians were asked to rate items on the Child Behavior Checklist in terms of their relationship to oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Based on their ratings 27 items were found to be indicative of a diagnosis…

Developed a heuristic strategy (SOLVED) to explain the processes involved in understanding and solving mathematical word problems (problem translation, problem interpretation, solution planning, solution execution, and solution monitoring) among upper elementary students. Results indicated that SOLVED was more effective in aiding both short-term…

Constructs a protocol of a teacher reading and responding to a student essay. Provides a map of the various concerns a teacher can take up in reading. Creates and models a heuristic to reflect on reading and responding practices in light of one's philosophy, assumptions, and practice. (PM)

Reviews criticism of research on judgmental biases in cognitive psychology and recommends using caution in applying the findings of this research to research in school psychology. Provides suggestions regarding the potential of theory in cognitive psychology to reconcile discrepant findings in selected research on special education decision…

This article outlines both specific barriers to teaching and learning creative thinking as well as some possible directions for solutions. Sixteen common barriers such as confusion, powerlessness, and negativity are described along with strategies to dissolve them using such conceptual tools as awareness plans and proactive metathinking.…

Presents four guidelines for teaching quantitative problem-solving based on research results: analyze difficulties of students, develop a system of heuristics, select and map key relations, and design instruction with proper orientation, exercise, and feedback. Discusses the four guidelines and uses flow charts and diagrams to show how the…