A computer-assisted simulation of experiments in eyelid conditioning was conducted as part of an introductory psychology course. This instructional format was then compared with a traditional instructor-led seminar and with a seminar in which computer-produced information obtained elswhere was used. A total of 120 students participated in 11…

This book presents a system by which feedback might be generated and used as a basis for organizational change. The major areas covered consist of the development of a rationale for the use of simulation in the selection of supervisors, a description of actual techniques, and a method for training individuals in the use of the material. The…

A test of predicted anxiety which focused on public speaking was given before and after two life skills courses in an English college. The students' own reports and observations by the author supported the results, which indicated a reduction of anxiety in the course which used simulations. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study focusing on different presentation methods (pairs of students; entire class; and noncomputer list game-type setting) of a computer-based science simulation to sixth-grade students to determine the most beneficial method for student achievement. Results indicate large group instruction is slightly more beneficial. (MBR)

A study to determine the usefulness of a board game in training and sensitizing senior dental students toward handicapped children showed that neither the board game nor a standard small-group lecture affected student attitudes or confidence. (MSE)

In an experiment, students doing preclinical work in the clinic did not perform significantly better on practical examinations than students working in a typical laboratory environment. Other factors such as enthusiasm, motivation, satisfaction, operator comfort, and long-term productivity should be examined. (Author/MSE)

Presents two models of group decision making that integrate mathematical, multicriteria models with behavioral problem-solving concepts. The results of an empirical test that used the Business Management Laboratory simulation game are reported, and the performance of the two integrated models is compared with the performance of a nonintegrated…

Equatings were performed on both simulated and real data sets using common-examinee design and two abilities for each examinee. Results indicate that effective equating, as measured by comparability of true scores, is possible with the techniques used in this study. However, the stability of the ability estimates proved unsatisfactory. (TJH)

Describes study that examined the relationship between computer anxiety and the use of psychology courseware in an undergraduate abnormal psychology class using four computerized case simulations. Comparisons of pretest and posttest computer anxiety measures are described, and the relationship between computer anxiety/attitudes and computer use is…

Six procedures for combining sets of item response theory (IRT) item parameter estimates from different samples were evaluated using real and simulated response data. Results support use of covariance matrix-weighted averaging and a procedure using sample-size-weighted averaging of estimated item characteristic curves at the center of the ability…

Discussion of how we perceive meaning from graphics highlights a computer simulation model, UCIE (Understanding Cognitive Information Engineering), that simulates graphical perception. An empirical study is described that compared actual performance to UCIE predictions related to the amount of time required to answer a question in various…

Discussion of differences between problem-solving techniques of novices and experts suggests that both the experts' mental model and common novice problems can be derived from analyses of several expert and novice protocols. Three instructional strategies based on these differences are discussed, including the use of a computer simulation to solve…

Discussion of computer simulations used for exploratory learning focuses on the design of a hypothesis scratchpad that students can use for hypothesis generation and testing. An experiment with college chemistry students that compared three versions of the scratchpad is described, and the effect of the scratchpads on learning environments is…

Four activities for French language classroom use are presented, including a simulation of the relationships and communication within a family; pronunciation instruction through phonetic transcription; cultural awareness through students' analysis of their own and their parents' specific memories; and analysis and comparison of a literary text and…

Forming the matching variable for the Mantel-Haenszel differential item functioning (DIF) procedure through use of the total score as the matching variable (thin) and forming the matching variable by pooling total score levels (thick) were compared in a Monte Carlo study. Reasons thick matching is superior are discussed. (SLD)