Type I error rates for the likelihood ratio test for detecting differential item functioning (DIF) were investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. Type I error rates for the two-parameter model were within theoretically expected values at each alpha level, but those for the three-parameter model were not. (SLD)

Examined whether differences in students' self-reported knowledge, cynicism, and political participation depended on whether their American government college course included a character-playing simulation involving members of Congress. Discusses research hypotheses and describes testing for immediate effects as well as after three years.…

A selection model for meta-analysis is proposed that models the selection process and corrects for the consequences of selection by publication on estimates of the mean and variance of the effect parameters. Simulation studies show that the model substantially reduces bias when the model specification is correct. (SLD)

Draws on numerous different content areas in the development of a 4-to-6 week long unit with the culminating activity of a simulated Mexican cafe. Students assume the roles of restaurant personnel and greet customers, take and fill orders, cook a variety of Mexican entrees, tally the check, and make change, all in the target language while…

Developed an item response model for characterizing test-compromise that enables the estimation of item preview and score-gain distributions. In the approach, models parameters and posterior distributions are estimated by Markov Chain Monte Carlo procedures. Simulation study results suggest that when at least some test items are known to be…

Statistical properties of person fit indices are reviewed as indicators of the extent to which a person's score pattern is in agreement with a measurement model. Distribution of a fit index and ability-free fit evaluation are discussed. The null distribution was simulated for a test of 20 items. (SLD)

"Be All that You Can Dream," a simulation workshop to teach entrepreneurship at Lorain County Joint Vocational School (Ohio), involves students in simulated planning, construction, and promotional activities for a shopping mall. Local business people observe and interview the students as they work, and the activity culminates in a tour,…

The study evaluated two simulation methods (either on-self or using a doll) of general case instruction in teaching menstrual care to four severely/profoundly retarded adolescents and women. Results indicated limited generalization after training using a doll, high levels of generalized responding following on-self instruction, but decreased…

The robustness of the likelihood ratio difference statistic to the violation of a regularity condition when used to assess differences in fit provided by pairs of latent class models was investigated. Recommendations are made regarding the use of the statistic under violation of the regularity condition. (SLD)

Examines the implications of connectionist models of cognition for second-language theory, in which all knowledge is embodied in a network of simple processing units joined by connections that are strengthened or weakened in response to regularities in input patterns. A connectionist framework is proposed within which hypotheses about…

To teach the modern concepts of cavity preparation, it is desirable to have a supply of natural teeth exhibiting suitable carious lesions. This paper describes a simple method for producing consistent artificial lesions in extracted natural teeth. (MLW)

The authors describe a simulation program based on a workshop approach designed for postsecondary business students. Features and benefits of the workshop technique are discussed. The authors cover practical aspects of designing and implementing simulation workshops. (CH)

Offers various interpretations of global education. Discusses the views of a number of persons in the field on why global education is taught. Suggests that use of simulation and early intervention at the elementary and secondary school level are answers to the question of how to teach global education. (KO)

Describes French language class simulation activities, based on life inside a Parisian apartment building, that combine oral and written language practice. (MSE)

It is proposed that the various aspects of drama and dramatization can be used in the language classroom to bring about a more pragmatic approach to language instruction and provide a better selection of classroom activities. (MSE)