Estimating confidence intervals (CIs) for the correlation has been a challenge because the correlation sampling distribution changes depending on the correlation magnitude. The Fisher z-transformation was one of the first attempts at estimating correlation CIs but has historically shown to not have acceptable coverage probability if data were…

For educational institutions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas, the provision of practical learning scenarios is, traditionally, a major concern. In the 21st century, the explosion of information and communication technology (ICTs), as well as the universalization of low-cost hardware, has allowed the proliferation…

The evolving complexity of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies necessitates an in-depth investigation of the VR features and their specific utility. Although VR is utilized across various skill-training applications, its successful deployment depends on both technical maturity and context-specific suitability. A comprehensive understanding of…

Penalized structural equation models (PSEM) is a new powerful estimation technique that can be used to tackle a variety of difficult structural estimation problems that can not be handled with previously developed methods. In this paper we describe the PSEM framework and illustrate the quality of the method with simulation studies.…

Detecting and mitigating wormhole attacks in wireless networks remains a critical challenge due to their deceptive nature and potential to compromise network integrity. This paper proposes a novel approach to wormhole detection by leveraging propagation delay analysis between network nodes. Unlike traditional methods that rely on signature-based…

Gamification has emerged in recent years as an application of game mechanics to improve learning processes through increased motivation and engagement. Civil engineering is a suitable field for gamification because it encompasses a variety of areas involving both management and fieldwork tasks. To gain insight into the use of gamified approaches…

Recently, Bayesian diagnostic classification modeling has been becoming popular in health psychology, education, and sociology. Typically information criteria are used for model selection when researchers want to choose the best model among alternative models. In Bayesian estimation, posterior predictive checking is a flexible Bayesian model…

With Rasmussen's abstraction hierarchy as starting point, the present article focuses on understanding some of the aspects guiding the development of a simulation exercise (SimEx) from a multi-faceted perspective, based on interviews and post-exercise evaluations conducted with both exercise designers and participants. The results show that, in…

"Simulation-based inference" is often considered a pedagogical strategy for helping students develop inferential reasoning, for example, giving them a visual and concrete reference for deciding whether the observed statistic is unlikely to happen by chance alone when the null hypothesis is true. In this article, we highlight for teachers…

Mediation analysis in Single Case Experimental Designs (SCEDs) evaluates intervention mechanisms for individuals. Despite recent methodological developments, no clear guidelines exist for maximizing power to detect the indirect effect in SCEDs. This study compares frequentist and Bayesian methods, determining (1) minimum required sample size to…

Small sample sizes pose a severe threat to convergence and accuracy of between-group level parameter estimates in multilevel structural equation modeling (SEM). However, in certain situations, such as pilot studies or when populations are inherently small, increasing samples sizes is not feasible. As a remedy, we propose a two-stage regularized…

Research into the use of virtual reality (VR) for educational purposes is increasing, but most of the existing literature focuses on the positive effects of VR on users, with its possible negative effects remaining underexplored. An inadequate understanding of the negative effects can put users at risk. To address this research gap, the main…

Virtual reality (VR) training programs have seen substantial growth due to their ability to improve trainee learning outcomes. Despite this, there is a noticeable gap in the availability of conceptual frameworks that incorporate social learning theories as a basis for creating VR-based safety training programs. This research aims to address this…

This study conducted a comprehensive comparison of Item Response Theory (IRT) linking methods applied to a bifactor model, examining their performance on both multiple choice (MC) and mixed format tests within the common item nonequivalent group design framework. Four distinct multidimensional IRT linking approaches were explored, consisting of…

There is an increasing international focus on multi-user virtual reality (VR) training for all emergency medical technicians within the framework of their respective disaster medical preparedness initiatives. While multiuser VR is often deployed in a variety of digital educational settings, it has not been meaningfully explored in emergency…