A model is offered for evaluating student attainment of mathematical concepts. The use of this model by teachers and researchers is discussed. (DT)

This research examines separately the cognitive and pharmacological effects of alcohol by manipulating subjects' expectancies. It was found that although alcohol is a pharmacologic sedative and reduces anxiety, the cognition that one is drinking alcohol increases anxiety. (Editor/RK)

Some common reasons for failures of experimental procedures are presented and suggestions are given for avoiding them through systematic precautions taken beforehand. (Editor)

J. F. Bugental's (1965) theory that the avoidance of existential confrontation is a central dynamic in neurosis was tested in two university research samples totalling 544 individuals. (Author/RK)

Discusses how to design a large exam question file for any discipline and how to use this file to extract examinations. (MLH)

Piaget has stated that the child's active manipulation of objects is a necessary part of teaching for intellectual development. But this appears to be contrary to empirical evidence. From a review of literature, it is concluded that Piaget's insistence on physical activity, and his dismissal of observation, are excessive. (Editor)

The hypotheses of informational cognitive control, based on the idea that being able to predict the occurrence of an unpleasant event facilitates a reduction of its impact, has not received clear support in previous research. This experiment investigates the effects of three variables on subjective reactions to mild electric shock. (Editor/RK)

Subtest questions of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence are ordered from least to most difficult. Test records of 89 females and 62 males revealed though questions were misordered for the present sample, misordering was not great enough to seriously affect subtest scores or interpretation of intratest scatter. (Author)

Most studies of memory emphasize the direct encoding of physical stimuli. In contrast, this research investigates memory for the internal stimuli that are generated during processing of a presented stimulus. (Editor)

Suggests that early in their education students be taught to use basic statistical tests as rigorous methods of comparing experimental results with scientific hypotheses. Stresses that students learn how to use statistical tests in hypothesis-testing by applying them in actual hypothesis-testing situations. To illustrate, uses questions such as…

Responds to an article that explored heterosexist bias in seven widely used assessment instruments. Praises the article's authors for raising this issue and explores their recommendation that norms appropriate to lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations be developed. Argues that bias can pervade the whole assessment process--not just the testing…

Summarizes themes from the articles in this issue: distinction between evaluation and assessment, innovation, bias, integration into program delivery, and transfer. (SK)

Discusses how a chemistry curriculum can be designed using traditional classroom activities and assessments along with alternative and authentic approaches. Presents a variety of assessment and learning experiences for a first-year course in chemistry. (JRH)

New Title I legislation--the Improving America's Schools Act--mandates that students with disabilities be included in district and statewide assessments beginning in 2001, or immediately, if such assessments already exist. Administrators should include handicapped students in assessments, when in doubt; provide needed accommodations; and report…

Two possible standard error formulas for the polytomous differential item functioning index proposed by N. J. Dorans and A. P. Schmitt (1991) were derived. These standard errors, and associated hypothesis-testing procedures, were evaluated through simulated data. The standard error that performed better is based on N. Mantel's (1963)…