Evaluates the retrieval performance of an algorithm that automatically categorizes medical documents, which consists in assigning an International Code of Disease (ICD) based on well-known information retrieval techniques. Reports on experimental results that tested precision using a database of over 20,000 medical documents. (Author/LRW)

Generalizing Boolean matrix decomposition to a larger class of matrix decomposition models is demonstrated, and probability matrix decomposition (PMD) models are introduced as a probabilistic version of the larger class. An algorithm is presented for the computation of maximum likelihood and maximum a posteriori estimates of the parameters of PMD…

Hypothesizes that the construction of visual models, resolution of these visual models with numeric models and, in many cases, rejection of commitments such as the belief in one true velocity, are necessary for students to form integrated mental models of relative motion events. Studies high school students' relative motion problem solving.…

Presents an algorithm for integrating evaluative concerns of cost effectiveness, equity, quality, and sustainability in program evaluation and offers suggestions for refining the system of measurement and analysis. (SLD)

Illustrates how upper elementary grade students can develop an understanding of the invert-and-multiply algorithm. (CCM)

A previously developed method of automatically selecting items for inclusion in a test subject to constraints on item content and statistical properties is applied to real data. Two tests are first assembled by experts in test construction who normally assemble such tests on a routine basis. Using the same pool of items and constraints articulated…

In the process of item calibration for a computerized adaptive test (CAT), many well-established calibrating packages show weakness in the estimation of item parameters. This paper introduces an on-line calibration algorithm based on the convexity of likelihood functions. This package consists of: (1) an algorithm that estimates examinee ability…

Implicit figuration and subjective interpretation make up the conventional basis of the classical discussion of the comprehensiveness and aesthetic quality of the metaphor. Its function and use in social science research is illustrated as a background to a radically different methodological approach. By means of a Perspective Text Analysis, it is…

After a brief discussion of Pascal's triangle and description of four methods of hand construction, the author provides FORTRAN and BASIC programs for computer construction based on recursive definition. (SD)

Two rule-based mathematics curricula were compared experimentally. The discrete rules curriculum was cut from 303 lower order rules to 169 rules plus 5 higher order rules by a higher order curriculum. Higher order curriculum subjects were taught less, but learned more. (Author/SE)

The notion of buggy procedures has played an important role in recent cognitive models of mathematical skills. Some earlier work on student modeling used artificial intelligence methods to automatically construct buggy models of student behavior. An alternate approach, proposed here, draws on insights from the rapidly developing field of machine…

A method for generating Pythagorean triples is presented and demonstrated with several examples. Its relationship to another method is shown and several interesting related facts are proven. (LS)