Related to the earlier ACT production system theory, this book's basic goal is to present evidence for the psychological reality of a production system model of mind. Distinguished from the original theory in three ways, this volume uses previous rational analyses to improve upon that theory and extend its scope. It also relates the theory to new…

In this paper a quadratic curve equating method for different test forms under a random-group data-collection design is proposed. Procedures for implementing this method and related issues are described and discussed. The quadratic-curve method was evaluated with real test data (from two 30-item subtests for a professional licensure examination…

The purpose of the training model described in this paper is to provide proactive and intervention strategies for managing classroom conflict. The impetus for the creation of this model came from a workshop collaboratively developed by high school students, teachers, and university faculty. The training model is designed for both prospective and…

Laboratory simulations combine the strengths of lab experiments and field studies while avoiding many of their liabilities. They permit the emotional involvement, the time needed for development of norms and interlocked systems of interaction, and the broad range of variables typical of field settings, yet allow for experimental controls and…

Achieving enrollment goals continues to be a major administrative concern in higher education. Enrollment management can be assisted through the use of computerized planning and forecast models. Although commercially available Markov transition type curve fitting models have been developed and used, a microcomputer-based decision planning model…

This report for researchers in rural sociology develops a conceptual and analytic framework for evaluating policies or programs through interrelated models. Three models--structural analysis, control programming, and simulation--allow researchers to assess policy/program impact, determine why expected impacts did or did not occur, and modify…

The packet provides a series of activities designed to help schools become familiar with a systematic approach to successful mainstreaming, educational strategies with mainstreamed students, and effective communication techniques. The packet includes a preservice activity and 12 steps for developing a mainstreaming program in the school: (1)…

A project explored less costly methods by which educational planning and control information could be collected, organized, and disseminated to appropriate planners and policymakers. An existing prototype computer simulation was refined and further developed by incorporating into it additional demographic, manpower, educational, and economic data…

This report describes the development of a computer simulation intended to aid the South Dakota State Legislature in reforming the state school finance system. The report briefly describes the rationale for the simulation, the process by which it was developed, the policy assumptions on which it is based, and its major strengths and weaknesses.…

The second in a series of four reports on the Electronic Equipment Maintenance Training (EEMT) project, this document summarizes the system definition phase of the EEMT program. The purpose of this phase of the project was to define a comprehensive set of functions and training requirements that the EEMT must satisfy within the training mission of…

This report summarizes the findings and describes the products of a 2-part research project that examined the parameters of Washington's interlibrary loan cooperation statewide, and developed a set of computer models to be used in simulation studies of associated activities and policies. It contains a statement of the problem; an historical…

MODIA (Method of Designing Instructional Alternatives) was developed to help the Air Force manage resources for formal training by systematically and explicitly relating quantitative requirements for training resources to the details of course design and course operation during the planning stage. This report describes the Resource Utilization…

A computer-based simulation model is described that can be used in an interactive mode to analyze the effects of alternative hiring, promotion, tenure granting, retirement, and salary policies on faculty size, distribution, and aggregate salary expense. The model was designed to be adequately flexible and comprehensive to incorporate the array of…

Following a discussion of the factors to be considered in constructing feasible college budgets, an exercise in budget development is presented involving a hypothetical community college with 2,500 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, 500 in developmental education, 750 each in transfer and technical programs, and 500 undecided. Exercise…

The computer-centered, interdisciplinary learning environment called Soloworks at the University of Pittsburgh is described and placed in the perspective of continuing curriclulm change. The organization of the hardware into computer lab, dynamics lab, synthesis lab, modeling/simulation lab and logical design lab is explained. Teaching/learning…