Previous knowledge of the difficulty index and the intercorrelations of the items will allow group results to be predicted and manipulated. A compound bionomial probability function of a testscore is established for which a computer program has been written. Three item selections and the appropriate probability distributions are given which give…

A problem illustrating how physics and mathematics complement one another when analyzing problems of the physical world is described. (JT)

Presents adaptation of a probabilistic theoretical model previously used in relevance feedback for use in automatic indexing of documents (in the sense of imitating) human indexers. Methods for model application are proposed, independence assumptions used in the model are interpreted, and the probability of a dependence model is discussed.…

Two stage multiple-comparison procedures give an exact solution to problems of power and Type I errors, but require equal sample sizes in the first stage. This paper suggests a method of evaluating the experimentwise Type I error probability when the first stage has unequal sample sizes. (Author/BW)

Instructional alignment is the extent to which stimulus conditions match three instructional components. This paper demonstrates a new perspective in which instructional alignment generates larger effects in research and practice for less "cost" than other instructional constructs. (VM)

Presented are ideas for teaching mathematics with a microcomputer. Ideas include using Apple II Logo to help select students for activities (Wheel of Fortune) and activities to explore how the programming operates. (RH)

Modeling the process by which participants are selected into groups, rather than adjusting for preexisting group differences, provides the basis for several new approaches to the analysis of data from nonrandomized studies. Econometric approaches, the propensity scores approach, and the relative assignment variable approach to the modeling of…

This article explores the potential of Bayesian inference as a theoretical framework for describing how people evaluate hypotheses. First, it identifies a set of logically possible forms of non-Bayesian behavior. Second, it reviews existing research in a variety of areas to see whether these possibilities are ever realized. (Author/BW)

The present article reviews the procedures that have been developed for measuring the reliability of human observers' judgments when making direct observations of behavior. These include the percentage of agreement, Cohen's Kappa, phi, and univariate and multivariate agreement measures that are based on quasi-equiprobability and quasi-independence…

Writing short computer programs can help students to develop an understanding of random processes in probability. Three sample programs are included. (MNS)

Techniques that students can use to make predictions about performances in the Olympics include point estimation. This is used to estimate a single value using a set of data. A worksheet for students is included. (MNS)

The problem of determining which of several populations has the largest mean is considered. The procedure described by Dudewicz and Dalal is extended to the case of unequal sample sizes. (JKS)

Activities are described for a probability unit in which the Markov process is studied and applied to the weather. (DT)

The benefits of using computer simulations in teaching elementary probability topics are discussed. Sample probability problems suitable for simulation are suggested. (DT)

A variation of the classical birthday problem is considered. A BASIC program is included in the article. (DT)