Through simulation, the power of the U3 statistic was compared with the power of one of the simplest person-fit statistics, the sum of the number of Guttman errors. In most cases, a weighted version of the latter statistic performed as well as the U3 statistic. (SLD)

Discussion of games and game-like exercises developed by the author at the University of Michigan focuses on the relationship between theory and practice in education. Highlights include simulation games, metaphoric games, literal games, and puzzle-based games. (LRW)

Reviews the literature on debriefing and identifies the essential elements and phases of the debriefing process. A model for systematic assessment of debriefing is presented which consists of five sets of questions that focus on learning objectives, situational constraints, the debriefing strategy, implementation of the strategy, and the…

The participation of the hippocampus in classical conditioning is described in terms of a multilayer network portraying stimulus configuration. A model of hippocampal function is presented, and computer simulations are used to study neural activity in the various brain areas mapped according to the model. (SLD)

Provides brief descriptions of interactive tutorial and simulation programs for reading, writing, and mathematics; and of drill-and-practice courseware packages. (DMM)

Describes an empirical exploration of the instructional potential of virtual reality as an interface for simulation-based training. Shows that subjects learned spatial-procedural and spatial-navigational skills in virtual reality. (SR)

To solve an applied research problem with bipolar data, a set of equations was developed that combined all plus and minus data combinations into unique values and scale points. The equations were tested through computer simulations and empirical tests. Resulting index scores were approximately interval and linear and easy to use and interpret.…

Monte Carlo simulations were used to examine three cases using analyses of variance (ANOVAs) sequentially. Simulation results show that Type I error rates increase when using ANOVAs in this sequential fashion, and the detrimental effect is greatest in situations in which researchers would most likely use ANOVAs sequentially. (SLD)

Describes a computer-based connectionist-type network model that correctly identified the gender of a set of French nouns, relying solely on information inherent in the nouns' structures, in the absence of explicit rules for evaluating nouns, through discovering criterial gender-specific features through examples of masculine and feminine nouns.…

Examines how computer-based simulations can best be exploited for computer-assisted language learning. Three learning environments are discussed: (1) the classroom, (2) a computer lab, and (3) self-access. Various types of computer-based simulations are described, including sports, adventure games, management of resources, and branching stories.…

Item response theory (IRT) differential item functioning (DIF) methods used to determine the accuracy of item classification as biased or unbiased were studied. Results from simulations show that the iterative linking and ability scale purification method can be more effective than iterative linking alone primarily by reducing false negatives.…

The relationship between recognition and recall, especially the orderly recognition-failure function relating recognition and the recognizability of recallable words, was investigated using a composite holographic associative recall-recognition memory model (CHARM) in 10 series of computer simulations. Support for the model is demonstrated. (SLD)

Discusses computer-generated design, considers the theory of dynamic symmetry, and addresses the question of abstraction and simulation. Computer-generated abstraction is compared with traditional abstract paintings on canvas, and the use of video discs to create new images and expand the visual language of the artist designer is described. (three…

Through the use of graphic computer simulation, this paper analyzes the combinatorial and geometric mathematics underlying a four-dimensional variation of the Rubik's Cube. This variation is called the Rubik's Tesseract and has dimensions, 3 x 3 x 3 x 3. (JJK)

Activities in which students build their own simulations of fossils, using seashells, chicken bones, toy dinosaurs, or leaves as models and plaster of paris, sand, mud, clay, or a mixture of gravel and clay as a matrix are presented. Curriculum extensions are included. (KR)