This project was concerned with the development of mathematical models of elementary mathematics learning and performance. Probabilistic finite automata and register machines with a finite number of registers were developed as models and extensively tested with data arising from the elementary-mathematics strand curriculum developed by the…

Describes a computer simulation called "Supercontinent Aggregation and Dispersal" designed to model the interplay between the movement of the continents and the flow patterns of rock in the mantle. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the program in relation to the effects of continents on the mantle. (CW)

The factorial structure of the Rotter Internal-External (IE) scale was examined. While there was strong evidence against the unidimensionality of the Rotter scale, the findings suggested that the first-order factors do define a single higher-order construct that may represent the generalized IE construct. (Author/LMO)

Using observational data on classroom teachers, statistical procedures are presented for studying two questions on the stability of teacher behavior over time: (1) Is the individual teacher's behavior consistent? and (2) Are individual differences among teachers consistent? Approaches and methods of previous temporal stability studies are…

Three methods of estimating a model of school effects are compared: ordinary least squares; an approach based on the analysis of covariance; and, a residualized input-output approach. Results are presented using a matrix algebra formulation, and advantages of the first two methods are considered. (Author/GK)

Criticizes methodological tendencies of economics and sociological researchers who do not ask "how large is large?" Reliance on statistical significance and existence theorems shows the limits of formalistic rather than humanistic research approaches. Argues that serious scholars develop whole arguments and understand the rhetoric of…

Discussed is wavelet theory, which provides ways to rearrange data to reveal features of a physical or mathematical system which might otherwise be hidden. This theory is compared to fourier analysis and the advantages of wavelet theory are stressed. Applications of this technique are suggested. (CW)

A model and computation procedure based on classical test score theory are presented for determination of a correlation coefficient corrected for attenuation due to unreliability. Delta and Monte Carlo method applications are discussed. A power analysis revealed no serious loss in efficiency resulting from correction for attentuation. (TJH)

Argues that Jensen's article contains an inaccurate and misleading account of Spearman's work and distorts the basic concepts of factor analysis. The target article has failed in all its main objectives; its major failing is a result of the irrelevance of factor analysis to the study of group differences. (SLD)

A proposed solution for the age x cohort x period issue in lifespan research uses all data, even with missing cells; can be used for repeated measures designs or designs in which new subjects are measured at each period; and allows assessment of each main effect and two-way interaction. (SLD)

Two methods of computing test equating coefficients under item response theory by the following authors are compared: (1) B. H. Loyd and H. D. Hoover (1980); and (2) M. L. Stocking and F. M. Lord (1983). Conditions under which the method of Stocking and Lord is preferable are described. (SLD)

Methodology is suggested for several statistical procedures to detect polytomously scored items that function differently for two subgroups of examinees. The 3 methods are alternative ways of combining the data from 2 x "k" tables. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of two of the methods, designated HW1 and HW3. (SLD)

A strategy is described for dealing with measurement situations in which certain categories of responses are null, that is, persons do not respond in certain categories to certain items. The method is described for the partial credit model while maintaining the integrity of the original response framework. (SLD)

Techniques for adjusting census figures are discussed, with a focus on sampling error, uncertainty of estimates resulting from the luck of sample choice. Computer simulations illustrate the ways in which the smoothing algorithm may make adjustments less, rather than more, accurate. (SLD)