In well-defined domains such as Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, solutions to a posed problem can objectively be classified as correct or incorrect. In ill-defined domains such as medicine, the classification of solutions to a patient problem as correct or incorrect is much more complex. Typical tutoring systems accept only a small set of…

This paper develops the argument that rule and inferential models of communication are interdependent--that explanations provided by one model must invoke properties of the other model if a more complete explanation of communication is to be arrived at. Rule and inferential models are examined separately in the paper as to their functions in…

This study investigated, with a dissociation paradigm, the distinction between remembering the information in a text, and learning from a text and applying the acquired knowledge (e.g., by making inferences). After reading an expository text, subjects (110 undergraduates) performed either a memory (recognition) or an inferencing (verification)…

The categorization of evidence through an "inverse inference" model is a preliminary attempt to organize the manner in which the ordinary language user perceives the use of evidence. While discussions on the nature of evidence have an important place in the realm of the theoretician and methodologist, this model attempts to explain how…

Two parallel studies investigated the influence of principle-based and attribute-based similarity relations on new category learning by preschoolers. One of two possible functions of a single novel artifact (which differed between studies) was modeled for children and practiced by children. Children then judged which test objects received the same…

Canonical correlation analysis is illustrated and three common fallacious interpretation practices are described. Simply, canonical correlation is an example of the bivariate case. Like all parametric methods, it involves the creation of synthetic scores for each person. It presumes at least two predictor variables and at least two criterion…

Distinguishing two forms of inference (additive and general vicariance), this paper describes a procedure for assessing class vicariance that attempts to control potentially confounding effects of verbal comprehension. The term "class vicariance" refers to the inference that a class remains invariant under arbitrary dichotomous…

Limitations of dummy coding and nonsense coding as methods of coding categorical variables for use as predictors in multiple regression analysis are discussed. The combination of these approaches often yields estimates and tests of significance that are not intended by researchers for inclusion in their models. (SLD)

Multiple evaluation methods (MEMs) can cause an inferential challenge, although there are strategies to strengthen inferences. Practical and theoretical issues involved in the use by social scientists of MEMs, three potential problems in drawing inferences from MEMs, and short- and long-term strategies for alleviating these problems are outlined.…

The utility and interpretation of a coefficient derived by use of the generalizability theory is discussed in this article. Then it is employed to assess the reliability of several school-level variables from the High School and Beyond study. (JD)

Despite assertions to the contrary, preschool children are capable of understanding cinematic events conveyed through camera techniques and film editing. This ability nevertheless substantially increases with age among children from four- to seven-years-old. (Author/RH)

How do you know when students understand something? How can you design learning experiences that make it much more likely that students understand content and apply it in meaningful ways? Since 1998, thousands of educators have used "Understanding by Design" to answer these questions and create more rigorous and engaging curricula. Now, this…

In multisite evaluation studies, questions of primary interest often focus on whether particular facets of implementation or other aspects of classroom or school environments are critical to a program's success. However, the differences with which teachers implement programs can depend on an array of factors, including differences in their…

This paper advocates the use of nonparametric statistics. First, the consequence of using parametric inferential techniques under nonnormality is described. Second, the advantages of using nonparametric techniques are presented. The third purpose is to demonstrate empirically how infrequently nonparametric statistics appear in studies, even those…

Coefficient alpha is a simple and very useful index of test reliability that is widely used in educational and psychological measurement. Classical statistical inference for coefficient alpha is well developed. This paper presents two methods for Bayesian statistical inference for a single sample alpha coefficient. An approximate analytic method…