A simulation study was conducted to determine whether latent class model parameters are recovered adequately by Latent Transition Analysis (LTA). Results indicate that parameter recovery is satisfactory overall and that the benefits of adding indicators outweigh the costs. Additional indicators also improve standard errors. An example of LTA is…

The power functions of Student t tests performed on initial scores, ordinary ranks, 3 kinds of modular ranks, and dichotomies were investigated for 1 normal and 3 nonnormal distributions using 2 samples of 26 simulated scores each. Advantages of extending the rank transformation concept are discussed. (SLD)

A connectionist model, SEarch via Recursive Rejection (SERR), is presented that performs across a window defining the model's functional field. Implications are discussed, and results of 5 experiments involving 19 male and 19 female adults and adolescents that test novel predictions derived from the model are presented. (SLD)

In the 1930s, Bernstein pointed out that more than one motor signal can trigger the same physical movement and that identical motor signals can lead to different movements, a dilemma that continues to puzzle scientists. Based on results from computer simulations, posits that these motor signals can be grouped into categories that correspond to…

The effect of scale selection on error in calibrating item and ability parameters was investigated, with particular reference to the standardized mean-squared difference (SMSD) statistic. Through simulation, three scaling methods for selecting the common scale were used to demonstrate their effects on SMSD values. (SLD)

Presents a four-part theoretical treatment of the planning of speech movements that favors models in which the only invariant targets are regions in auditory perceptual space over models that posit invariant construction targets. Computer simulations illustrate the models. (SLD)

The observed effectiveness and efficacy of discovery learning in simulated environments is reviewed, along with problems learners may encounter in discovery learning. How simulations can be combined with instructional support is discussed. Successful discovery learning is related to reasoning from hypotheses, applying the discovery process, and…

It is argued that outlier-prone distributions reduce the power of nonparametric tests, but power can be restored through procedures usually associated with parametric tests. Computer simulation is used to show how an outlier detection and downweighting procedure augments the power of the t-test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. (SLD)

The effects of different degrees of smoothing on results of equipercentile equating in random groups design using a postsmoothing method based on cubic splines were investigated, and a computer-based procedure was introduced for selecting a desirable degree of smoothing. Results suggest that no particular degree of smoothing was always optimal.…

Discusses challenges in teaching lasers and optical communications to engineers, including the prohibitive cost of laboratory experiments, and describes the development of a computer-based photonics simulation experiment module which provides students with an understanding and visualization of how lasers can be modulated in telecommunications.…

A new generation of e-learning companies is bringing the qualities of live role play to computer simulation. Successful simulations require authentic and relevant scenarios, situations that tap emotions and force actions, unrestricted options, and replayability. (JOW)

Visual-spatial ability has been identified as one of the primary factors of intelligence. Numerous tests, including paper-and-pencil tasks and laboratory experiments, have attempted to provide an accurate measure of this ability. However, the majority of these tests serve only as surrogate measures of visual-spatial ability and may not provide a…

Prior studies of time-to-contact (TTC) focused on judgments of unoccluded approaching objects. P. R. DeLucia, M. K. Kaiser, J. M. Bush, L. E. Meyer, and B. T. Sweet (2003) showed that partial occlusion decreases an object's optical size and expansion rate and that the value of tau derived from the reduced optical size (relative rate of accretion;…

In 4 experiments, the authors varied the extent and nature of participant movement in a virtual environment to examine the influence of action on estimates of geographical slant. Previous studies showed that people consciously overestimate hill slant but can still accurately guide an action toward the hill (D. R. Proffitt, M. Bhalla, R.…

This paper describes a dynamic computer-based business learning environment and the results from applying it in a real-world business organization. We argue for using learning tools, which not only provide realistic and complex models of reality, but are also are authentic, facilitate continuous problem solving and meaningful learning, and embed…