The agreement between visual analysis and the results of the split-middle method of trend estimation was examined using a set of 24 stimulus graphs and 30 raters. Results revealed poor agreement between the two methods, and low sensitivity, specificity, and predictive ability for visual analysis in relation to statistical inferences. (JDD)

A model and computation procedure based on classical test score theory are presented for determination of a correlation coefficient corrected for attenuation due to unreliability. Delta and Monte Carlo method applications are discussed. A power analysis revealed no serious loss in efficiency resulting from correction for attentuation. (TJH)

Instead of teaching as many facts as possible about the cultural background of the target language, second language learners should be taught explicit strategies for making inferences from the language. This enables learners to gradually construct their cultural background knowledge in the same way that native speakers construct their cultural…

Experiments revealed that children seemed able to integrate multiple sources of information but were more dependent on clue support and generally less likely to infer reason than adults. Children were more likely than adults to reject premise as an explanation of outcome. Only fourth-graders and adults modified inferences in response to resolution…

Discusses the use of 39 new fiction and nonfiction travel-related titles to enable children to practice thinking skills in a nonthreatening environment. Examples for teaching inference, observation, prediction, comparison, and contrast are provided. Examples can be used as entry points for booktalks or introductions to other kinds of programs.…

Notes that traditional early childhood science programs have attempted to facilitate children's understanding of the physical or natural world. Suggests another view: that children are developing scientific thinking processes or learning strategies in the personal and social domains, and that this should be seen as part of science program in early…

Examined hypothesis that cognitive misers (CM)--individuals low in the need for cognition--forego effortful message scrutiny with a presumably truthful communicator. Results showed that CMs depended more on message scrutiny when a knowledgeable source is of questionable honesty than when the source's honesty is clear. Other factors are discussed.…

Increasingly, unpopular facilities are sited in sparsely populated areas for which data are unavailable. The Local Expert Procedure (LEP) estimates selected demographic characteristics of small, rural areas by combining the housing unit method of population estimation with random sampling and key informant ethnography. Factors affecting the…

Presents two mathematical methods for fitting the logistic curve to population data supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau utilizing computer algebra software to carry out the computations and plot graphs. (JKK)

Two studies investigated children's understanding that biases may influence the interpretation of behavior. In the first experiment, most second graders inferred that a negatively biased, uninformed observer would construe an act as intentional. In the second, kindergartners and second graders appropriately used bias and knowledge information to…

Four experiments examined the possibility that second and fourth graders and college students are sensitive to inference constraint when they make causal inferences and assess their understanding of a story. Inference likelihood and understanding ratings varied with constraint for all ages. Results suggest that comprehension monitoring and text…

Describes the use of observation folders as a tool for understanding and refining the basic skills of observation and inference that are important to the young child. These folders provide opportunities for students to view and examine "mystery pictures," make inferences, and arrive at their own conclusions about the subject of the…

Children's analogical reasoning has traditionally been measured by classical four-term analogy tasks or problem-solving tasks. Current theories of analogical development and the evidence on which they are based are reviewed. It is concluded that structural views of analogical development are wrong, and knowledge-based accounts of what develops are…

Revoicing as a classroom technique is considered. Three examples illustrate the potential of the classroom discourse strategy revoicing to position students with regard to propositions and allow them to claim or reject the positions; share reformulations to credit students with teacher inferences; and scaffold and recast problem-solution…

One of the ways cooperating physical education teachers can assess student teachers is through high-inference techniques, but they need knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of such techniques. The paper describes the techniques of intuitive assessment, eyeballing (taking a tour through the gym), anecdotal notes, checklists, and rating…