Used three approaches to understand the effect of the number of variables in the model on model fit in structural equation modeling through computer simulation. Developed a simple formula for the theoretical value of the comparative fit index. (SLD)

Studied the performance of rank (percentile) estimators in a basic two-stage hierarchical model capturing essential features of more complicated models commonly used to estimate effects. Simulation results highlight the need to assess whether even optimal percentile estimators perform sufficiently well to be used to evaluate teachers or schools.…

Introduces the Rater Bundle Model, an item response model for repeated ratings of student work. Applies the model to real and simulated data to illustrate the approach, which was motivated by the observation that when repeated ratings occur, the assumption of conditional independence is violated, and current item response models can then…

Investigated the data demands associated with the marginal maximum likelihood (MML) expected a posterior (EAP) methodology and the precision of the resulting parameter estimates when data fit the underlying model through simulation. Also studied the extent to which a misspecified prior distribution would affect the item and person parameter…

Proposes a new lock primitive called ordered sharing that allows increased concurrency in database systems. Reliability and performance issues of the proposed protocol are addressed, a simulation study that demonstrates that ordered sharing results in improved performance in database systems is described; and use in several representative database…

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)

Discusses decision making and suggests that using simulation techniques based on a sophisticated decision support system facilitates the identification of utility-maximizing strategies. The negotiation training model is described, and preliminary results based on simulation runs are reported. (LRW)

Compares eight models for analyzing count data through simulation in the context of prediction of absenteeism to indicate the extent to which each model produces false positives. Results suggest that ordinary least-squares regression does not produce more false positives than expected by chance. The Tobit and Poisson models do yield too many false…

Develops an item-parameter estimation procedure using an EM algorithm for the continuous-response model (F. Samejima, 1973). Examines the usefulness of this model using simulated data. Results show that the procedure performs well in estimating items and theta parameters. (SLD)

Describes a co-evolutionary model for supporting the emergence of authenticity through a partnership between preservice teachers and practicing teachers who collaborated in real-world tasks. Discusses authenticity and participatory learning; simulation models; participation models; uses of technology; communities of practice; power and control;…

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 adequacy of "rule of thumb" conventional cutoff criteria and several alternatives for fit indices in covariance structure analysis was evaluated through simulation. Analyses suggest that, for all recommended fit indexes except one, a cutoff criterion greater than (or sometimes smaller than) the conventional rule of thumb is required…

When participants use cues to prepare for a likely stimulus or a likely response, reaction times are facilitated by valid cues but prolonged by invalid cues. In studies on combined expectancy effects, two cues give information regarding two dimensions of the forthcoming task. When the two cues consist of two separable stimuli their effects are…