A systematic method for compromise between absolute and relative examination standards is proposed. The passing score is assumed to be related to expected pass rate through a simple linear function. Results define a function relating the percentage of successful candidates given a specified passing score to the passing score. (Author/DWH)

An empirical analysis of the relationship between science reasoning skills and the amount of information acquired during science learning as predicted by a neuromathematical model of information processing is presented. Subjects were 93 adolescents (mean age of 15.4 years old) with a IQ range of 91-142. (Author/JN)

Based on the concept of a mathematical manifold, the model developed for this study was designed to measure and provide insights into the interaction of gender and access to computers among Canadian adolescents, as well as the multiple situational and personal variables which can constrain or facilitate computer access for the adolescent. The…

Working in groups of three, seventh-grade students were video taped solving an applied mathematical problem. Audio tapes were made of each group discussing their session. Analysis focused on the first stage of Noddings (1984) model of problem solving for school mathematics: Creation of a representation. Some factors identified as impeding…

A model of qualities of mathematical activity was developed within a framework of learning goals. A clinical application of the model is described, in which ninth-grade students were given assignment projects. A hierarchy of effective guidance was established, permitting diagnostic evaluation and progressive development of mathematical activity.…

Described is the notion of multiple alternative representations of mathematical reasoning, particularly as they relate to algebraic notation and the potential of computers to change representations. Features of a desirable notation for algebraic problem solving are described. This is followed by a description of the RAND Corporation's intelligent…

This study compared five density estimation techniques applied to samples from a population of 272,244 examinees' ACT English Usage and Mathematics Usage raw scores. Unsmoothed frequencies, kernel method, negative hypergeometric, four-parameter beta compound binomial, and Cureton-Tukey methods were applied to 500 replications of random samples of…

This paper analyzes the quantitative and situational structure of algebra story problems, uses these materials to propose an interpretive framework for written problem soving protocols, and then presents an exploratory study of the episodic structure of algebra story problem solving in a sizable group of mathematically competent subjects. Analyses…

Children's responses to an alternative model over three lessons were described and their learning assessed in a posttest. Their responses and performances were compared to that of a similar group of children learning through a conventional number line model. The two models were compared from practical and theoretical viewpoints. (Author/CW)

Identified are three obstacles which students must overcome when examining and interpreting diagrams. The resources of the Geometric Supposer, a set of microcomputer tools designed to aid students, are outlined. The advantages of the use of this software are emphasized. (CW)

Though item bias statistics are widely recommended for use in test development and analysis, problems arise in their interpretation. This research evaluates logistic test models and computer simulation methods for providing a frame of reference for interpreting item bias statistics. Specifically, the intent was to produce simulated sampling…

The purpose of the study was to hypothesize and test a causal model of continuation in the mathematics study sequence. The causal model hypothesized (a) direct effects from parent attitudes and perceptions to student attitudes, spatial visualization skills, and mathematics achievement; and (b) direct effects from student attitudes, spatial…

This study was designed to obtain descriptive data on the classroom evaluation practices of secondary teachers in two different public school systems. A self-report survey instrument was employed to collect data from 217 teachers in York, England, and 217 teachers in Minnesota. Respondents were asked to indicate which specific techniques they…

The work presented in this paper defined conceptually the concepts of multidimensional discrimination and information, derived mathematical expressions for the concepts for a particular multidimensional item response theory (IRT) model, and applied the concepts to actual test data. Multidimensional discrimination was defined as a function of the…

After observing secondary school students having great difficulty learning geometry in their classes, Dutch educators Pierre van Hiele and Dina van Hiele-Geldof developed a theoretical model involving five levels of thought development in geometry. It is the purpose of this monograph to present English translations of some significant works of the…