A mathematical formula is introduced for the effect of integrating data. A method is then derived to eliminate the effect from correlations of variables, including mean composites, thus allowing for a clustering algorithm that requires allocation of variables according to the magnitude of their correlations. Examples illustrate the procedure. (SLD)

The Content Validation Form is presented as a means of proving that occupational tests provide a representative work sample or knowledge, skill, or ability necessary for a job. It is best used during test construction by a panel of subject matter experts. (SK)

Demonstrated is the use of BASIC computer programs to simulate a binomial experiment and test a simple statistical hypothesis. The theoretical results are reached with the third programing attempt. All results, as well as computer programs, are included. (JJK)

Examined cognitive and emotional reactions to family discussions as experienced by 8- to 11-year-old sons (n=35) and their mothers from homes with physically aggressive (PA), verbally aggressive (VA), and low-conflict (LC) marital relationships. Sons of PA couples demonstrated more self-interference, self-distraction, and arousal and less…

A statistical test of the knowledge or random guessing model is presented. A version of the model is introduced in which it is assumed that alternatives can be ordered according to a Guttman scale. Three examples illustrate its application to data from a total of 590 college students. (Author/SLD)

Reports on the use of PlayDoh clay in a college neuroanatomy class. Describes how students constructed a PlayDoh model of a sheep's brain subsequent to performing a standard dissection procedure. Maintains that students learned from the procedure and recommended the use of the technique in future classes. (CFR)

SimuFlite Co. nearly went under when a state-of-the-art computer-based training simulation for airplane pilots took too long to develop and was not liked by participants. The revamped program emphasized live instructors, technical manuals, and videotapes. The program's failure illustrates the disadvantages of computer-based training. (SK)

Describes a study of undergraduates that investigated the tendency of television news viewers to use visual information to interpret ambiguous verbal passages. The use of simulated television news stories is explained, free recall and cued recall responses are discussed, and sentence recognition data is studied. (26 references) (LRW)

Describes various electronic technologies available for classroom use, including videocassette news reports, educational computer games based on knowledge of geographical and historical trivia, and other software programs developed expressly for schools. Nintendo Company is being watched for optical disk developments, and "virtual…

Discussion of the case study method focuses on its use to improve human performance. Critical and variable attributes of case studies are described, guidelines for creating a case are suggested, case study method types and formats are discussed, and criteria for evaluating the quality of a case study are presented. (18 references) (LRW)

Simulation studies (N=4,000 simulees) examined the effect of misspecification of the latent ability distribution (theta) on the accuracy and efficiency of marginal maximum likelihood (MML) item parameter estimates and on MML statistics to test sufficiency and conditional independence. Results were compared to those of the conditional maximum…

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)

A growth curve approach to longitudinal profile analysis is presented by which univariate and multivariate descriptions of achievement and rate of growth are provided, and intraindividual strengths and weaknesses are computed for profiles of achievement and progress. Analyses are reported for simulated data conforming to a straight-line growth…

Discusses a design-feature framework for analyzing "simulations" in realistic-communication activities in foreign language classrooms. The link between design factors and two aspects of student language (quantity of output and topic-structure) with reference to two "simulation-type" activities are examined. (30 references) (GLR)

The derivation of the variance of similarity judgments is made from the 3-D process in nonlinear psychophysics. The idea of separability of dimensions in metric space theories of similarity is replaced by one parameter that represents the degree of a form of interdimensional cross-sampling. (SLD)