Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of disease in human populations. This means that authentically teaching primary data collection in epidemiology is difficult as students cannot easily access suitable human populations. Using an action research methodology, this paper studied the use of a virtual human population (called "The…

Simulated population data were used to compare relative performances of the modification index and C. Chou and P. M. Bentler's Lagrange multiplier test (a multivariate generalization of a modification index) for four levels of model misspecification. Both indices failed to recover the true model except at the lowest level of misspecification. (SLD)

Using Microsoft® Excel, several interactive, computerized learning modules are developed to illustrate the Central Limit Theorem's appropriateness for comparing the difference between the means of any two populations. These modules are used in the classroom to enhance the comprehension of this theorem as well as the concepts that provide the…

The rank transformation approach to analysis of variance (ANOVA) as a solution to the Behrens-Fisher problem was examined. Using simulation methodology, four parameters were manipulated for the two-group design: (1) ratio of population variances; (2) distribution form; (3) sample size; and (4) population mean difference. As a general solution to…

Explains the capture-recapture method which is used to estimate population size by researchers. Uses a computer simulation game to teach students the capture-recapture method of population size estimation. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

The present simulation study confirms that the corrected epsilon approximate test of B. Lecoutre yields a less biased estimation of population epsilon and reduces Type I error rates when compared to the epsilon approximate test of H. Huynh and L. S. Feldt. (SLD)

The standard error (SE) of correlations adjusted for selection with commonly used formulas was investigated. The study provides large-sample approximations of SE using the Pearson-Lawley three-variable correction formula, examines the SE under specific conditions, and compares various estimates of SEs under direct and indirect selection. (TJH)

The primary purpose of this research is to examine the impact of estimation methods, actual latent trait distributions, and item pool characteristics on the performance of a simulated computerized adaptive testing (CAT) system. In this study, three estimation procedures are compared for accuracy of estimation: maximum likelihood estimation (MLE),…

The Random Normal Scores Test (RNST) has been suggested as a powerful alternative to the use of the parametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) test when the underlying population is non-normally distributed. The major support for this suggestion rests on asymptotic theory. An empirical analysis of the RNST performed under the F and Chi-square…

Three methods of estimating test score distributions that may improve on using the observed frequencies (OBFs) as estimates of a population test score distribution are considered: the kernel method (KM); the polynomial method (PM); and the four-parameter beta binomial method (FPBBM). The assumption each method makes about the smoothness of the…