Discusses the need to evaluate the effectiveness of games and simulations that are used for training and educational purposes. Evaluation criteria are described, including validity, reliability, and utility; methods of measuring training device effectiveness are explained; and problems encountered with evaluations are discussed. (30 references)…

Discusses the use of computer simulations in an instructional context and emphasizes the need for learner support. The SIMULATE project (Simulation Authoring Tools Environment) is described, the concept of intelligent simulation learning environments (ISLEs) is explained, and a conceptual framework for articles included in this issue is presented.…

A simulation of the effects of proposed changes in Social Security rules (elimination of the Retirement Earnings Test and an increase in the Delayed Retirement Credit) for men working after retirement age demonstrated a rise in long-run costs by $43 billion in taxes and an increase of only 3.5 percent in the supply of older workers. (Author/SK)

Presents a simple classroom simulation of the Lucas supply curve mechanism with rational expectations. Concludes that the exercise has proved very useful as an introduction to the concepts of rational and adaptive expectations, the Lucas supply curve, the natural rate hypothesis, and random supply shocks. (DB)

Discusses a microcomputer program that was created to simulate the behavior of a computerized "animal" so that students could practice the shaping of behavior. Describes mathematical algorithms that allowed the "animal" to show gradual improvements in directional movements after appropriate shaping. Reports that students were…

This study retrospectively applies aggregate scoring to the cardiology questions from a recertifying examination in general internal medicine. Three groups of experts were identified among the examinees and the remainder of the examinees were the participants (N=1887) of the study. Generalizability theory is applied to these data. (MLW)

In standardized patient-based tests of clinical competence, patients are used to present the clinical problem and to rate the actions taken by the student. This approach is evaluated by a microanalysis of 1 case used in a fourth year clinical examination of 98 medical students at the University of Manitoba. (MLW)

The article describes the system used to hire new faculty at Atlantic Community College (New Jersey). Critical components are descriptive interviewing, which focuses on how the candidate has behaved in real situations, and a teaching simulation. (DB)

A study investigating possible sex bias, concerning both student and standardized-patient genders, in an objective structured clinical examination found that neither men nor women were afforded an advantage by patient or test location. However, women's scores on tests administered by females were higher than corresponding men's scores. (MSE)

Discusses the portability of a Canadian-made educational simulation software package, "The Electronics Workbench," to China that was part of a larger study conducted at the University of Twente (The Netherlands). Evaluation results of the software use in China are presented, including functionality for electronics education, ease of use,…

To assess problems in hypothesis testing and model comparisons based on normed indices caused by latent class models with sparse contingency tables, a simulation was carried out investigating the distributions of the likelihood ratio statistic, the Pearson statistic chi-square, and a new goodness of fit statistic. (SLD)

Accuracy of three exact person tests for assessing model-data fit in the Rasch model was investigated in a simulation study. Empirical Type I error rates and statistical power of the person tests were computed. The exact person test conditioned on total score is a promising tool for assessing consistency of response patterns with the Rasch model.…

The phenomenon of simultaneous differential item functioning (DIF) amplification and cancellation and the role of the SIBTEST approach in detecting DIF are investigated with a variety of simulated test data. The effectiveness of SIBTEST is supported, and the implications of DIF amplification and cancellation are discussed. (SLD)

Three measures of differential item functioning for the dichotomous response model are extended to include Samejima's graded response model. Two are based on area differences between item true score functions, and one is a chi-square statistic for comparing differences in item parameters. (SLD)

Defines cognitive approaches to second-language acquisition research first in terms of goals and theoretical orientations, next, in terms of its methods (observations, experimentation, simulation), and last, in terms of its applications. (Author/VWL)