Examined effects of training in sequencing pairs of visual stimuli on subsequent six-stimuli or five overlapping two-stimuli sequencing. Subjects were 3- and 4-year-olds. Found that few succeeded with untrained two- and six-stimulus sequences derivable from the two-stimulus training, but when given training on only the overlapping sequences,…

Discusses techniques English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners can use to learn words in context. Highlights using structural clues, inference clues, and guessing. (Author/VWL)

Investigated the role of "nonlogical" perceptual cues to differential absolute size in the transitive inferences of 6- and 7-year-olds. Found that both age groups showed identical overall premise memory, but the younger group tended to reason more on the basis of perceptual information rather than on successfully encoded premise…

Studied the diversity effect, that people draw stronger inferences from a diverse set of evidence than from a more homogeneous set of evidence, in children. Results from 4 experiments involving 305 elementary school students in England show robust sensitivity to diversity in children as young as 5 years. Discusses findings in relation to…

A theory of classical conditioning is presented, which is based on a parallel, rule-based performance system integrated with mechanisms for inductive learning. A major inferential heuristic incorporated into the theory involves "unusualness," which is focused on novel cues. The theory is implemented via computer simulation. (TJH)

It is shown that Bayesian algorithms are computationally simpler in frequency formats than in the probability formats used in previous research. Analysis of several thousand solutions to Bayesian problems showed that when information was presented in frequency formats, statistically naive participants derived up to 50% of inferences by Bayesian…

Three analyses of pretest and posttest data are considered: (1) posttest only designs; (2) two-way repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA); and (3) one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Conditions that ensure legitimacy of inferences about the equality of treatment effects on the latent variable theta are discussed. (SLD)

Examines the effect of feedback on helping poor readers improve their comprehension. Compares the effects of instruction about text-based inferencing using explicit, process-explaining feedback to effects of using feedback that did not describe how to draw inferences. Finds that both instructional conditions boosted overall comprehension, but…

A Bayesian alternative to interpretations based on classical reliability theory is presented. Procedures are detailed for calculation of a posterior score and credible interval with joint consideration of item sample and occasion error. (Author/SLD)

Compares preschool and first grade children's ability to make three types of inferences: script-based inferences, invited inferences, and logical inferences. Finds preschoolers better able to make script-based inferences and first graders better able to draw script-based and invited inferences. Suggests that children's ability to draw inferences…

Results of four studies confirmed the hypothesis that three year olds would have less difficulty inferring that another person holds an odd belief about a matter of taste or value than they have in inferring that another person holds a false belief about a matter of verifiable fact. (RH)

Examines whether vocabulary acquisition in a foreign language by inferring the meaning of a word from its context makes an important contribution toward the retention of the word in question so long as the meaning is correctly guessed. (49 references) (GLR)

Five experiments involving 173 college students show that people frequently do not apply the category inclusion rule when evaluating categorical arguments involving natural categories and a single nonexplainable predicate. Judgments tended to be proportional to the similarity between premise and conclusion categories. (SLD)

Investigates conscious understanding during narrative comprehension as revealed through use of think-aloud methodology. Presents an analytical model of conscious understanding. Identifies three working memory operations in the protocols--operations which are functionally necessary to inferences in the protocols. Discusses data and current models…

Investigated the validity of inferences from A. Jensen's method of studying group differences on cognitive tests (1985) and compared the validity of inferences to inferences based on multi-group confirmatory factor analysis using constructed population covariance matrices. Results show the insensitivity of Jensen's method and the superiority of…