The problem of this study was to develop, validate, and establish the reliability of a computer simulation which would: (1) distinguish between concrete and formal thinking patterns related to control of variables; (2) be easily administered to a class of secondary school age subjects; (3) preserve the interactive aspects of the Piagetian task;…

Recent research on hypothesis testing strategies (the strategy a person uses to determine the correctness of a specific hypothesis) has produced contradictory results. The three strategies available have been labeled confirmatory, neutral, and disconfirmatory. Some research has found that a confirmatory testing style predominates, while other…

Described in the context of a computer simulation are highlights of a program of research focusing on the storage of mathematics problem solving information in young children's memory and the development of such knowledge structures in older children. Specifically discussed are the problem size effect, the network nature of the memory…

A study is reported in which 7 children (2 girls and 5 boys, 11 to 12 years of age) with a year of LOGO Programming experience were asked to think aloud about how a LOGO procedure would work, and then to predict by hand-simulation of the programs, what the graphics turtle "pen" would draw when the program was executed. While all children…

This study examined the sampling distribution of the analysis of variance F ratio in the two sample cases when it followed a preliminary test for variance equality. When the population variances were equal, the sampling distribution approximated the theoretical F distribution quite well, but not when population variances differed. (JAZ)

Using computer simulation, parametric analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was compared to ANCOVA with data transformed using ranks, in terms of proportion of Type I errors and statistical power. Results indicated that parametric ANCOVA was robust to violations of either normality or homoscedasticity, but practiced significant power differences favored…

One way in which a computer simulation can convince students of the validity of formulas for the density and distributive functions of the sum of two variables is described. Four computer program listings are included. (MNS)

This paper develops and applies three nonparametric comparisons of the shapes of two item characteristic surfaces: (1) proportional latent odds; (2) uniform relative difficulty; and (3) item sensitivity. A method is presented for comparing the relative shapes of two item characteristic curves in two examinee populations who were administered an…

Two studies (N=56) assessed an instruction program designed to teach elementary school children a complex computer-programming skill--how to debug LOGO graphics and listing-processing programs. The use of a precise computer simulation model proved to be the crux of the instructional model's success. (TJH)

A simple probabilistic model for unfolding data collected by a direct response design in which responses were scored dichotomously was applied to the measurement of attitudes toward capital punishment. Responses conformed to the unfolding mechanism. Scale values of the statements were statistically equivalent to those of Thurstone's methods. (SLD)

The ecological knowledge of university students was analyzed under psychological and educational aspects via a computer simulation, an environmental game consisting of a variant of the Commons Dilemma, and a computerized text base on an actual environmental problem. Conditions impairing acquisition and use of ecological knowledge were discovered.…

Describes how a computer simulation research method can be used for studying distance education systems. Topics discussed include systems research in distance education; a technique of model development using the System Dynamics approach and DYNAMO simulation language; and a computer simulation of a prototype model. (18 references) (LRW)

Discusses how interactive video can be used as a training tool for process operators. Highlights include instructional features of interactive video, random access and branching capabilities, examples of training for operators of automated processes, simulation and interactive video, designing interactive video programs, and suggestions for…

Reports on the software that aids the development of experiments and simulations. Explores pedagogical and research applications as well as the general technical structure of the software. (Author/BSR)

This paper describes a rationale for the construction and use of a simple consistency model of the Zimbabwean economy that incorporates an input-output matrix. The model is designed to investigate alternative industrial strategies and their consequences for the balance of payments, consumption, and overall gross domestic product growth for a…