This paper discusses the use of ontologies and their applications to assessment. An ontology provides a shared and common understanding of a domain that can be communicated among people and computational systems. The ontology captures one or more experts' conceptual representation of a domain expressed in terms of concepts and the relationships…

This paper outlines two types of discriminant analysis, predictive discriminant analysis (PDA) and descriptive discriminant analysis (DDA). Important differences between PDA and DDA are introduced and discussed using a heuristic data set, specifically indicating the portions of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) output relevant…

A procedure for using MEL2 (Version 2.0 of Microcomputer Experimental Laboratory) and FontWINDOW to present special characters and symbols in computer-controlled reaction time experiments is described. The procedure permits more convenience and flexibility than in tachistocopic and projection techniques. FontWINDOW allows researchers to design…

This paper presents perspectives on the use of data analysis software in the process of qualitative research. These perspectives were gained in the conduct of three qualitative research studies that differed in theoretical frames, areas of interests, and scope. Their common use of a particular data analysis software package allows the exploration…

A review of the literature reveals that important statistical algorithms and indices pertaining to logistic regression are being underused. This paper describes logistic regression in comparison with discriminant analysis and linear regression, and suggests that some techniques only accessible through computer syntax should be consulted in…

Expert systems are computer programs that are designed to advise or assist users by storing the knowledge of human experts and applying the computer's mathematical ability to search and sort this information. This study investigated the use of an expert system as a mindtool and whether or not creating a simple expert system would facilitate the…

A program that can reduce difficult integration problems to simpler approximations using the trapezoidal rule to approximate the area under a curve is presented. (MP)

A statistical analysis software package available on cassette tape is described. (MK)

Describes two complementary studies that were conducted to understand the diverse views adolescents hold regarding electronic information. One study examined high school students' concepts of property pertaining to copying computer programs; the other examined concepts of privacy pertaining to accessing computer files. (56 references) (Author/LRW)

Three major ways parents can restrict the material their children experience online include using commercial online services with parental control features, installing other parental control software, and using the Platform for Internet Content Selection. Parents must protect their children's privacy, be aware of commercialism online, and take…

Schools in two New York State counties are creating Web home pages with little money or technical expertise. Approaches to Web page construction include using commercially developed software (like Pagemaker or Claris Works); trying out downloaded shareware programs; using an online service (America Online, Prodigy, or Compuserve); and programming…

Budgeting is a valuable planning tool, facilitated by basic spreadsheets. Three basic steps in creating a budget--listing fixed and variable costs, computing a break-even point, and evaluating modifications--are explained. Models illustrate the basics of moving around the spreadsheet and entering formulas. Popular spreadsheet programs and price…

Outlines the confusion arising when public colleges invoke a constitutional shield when they are accused of pirating software. Some state institutions claim immunity under the 11th Amendment from prosecution for infringement of intellectual property. (SLD)

Discusses electronic books and derives a comprehensive definition. Lists various types of e-books, their characteristics, pros and cons, and compares e-books reader hardware and software with their specifications and characteristics. Considers the publishing industry, impact on libraries, and digital rights management. (Author/LRW)

Describes California State University Long Beach's implementation of new maintenance management software, which integrated maintenance, inventory control, and key control and allows technicians to enter and receive information through handheld wireless devices for more accurate time accounting. The school estimates a 10 percent increase in…