When analysis of variance is used, statistically significant differences may or may not be of practical significance to educators. A large part of the problem is due to the fact that a "zero difference" null hypothesis can always be rejected statistically if the sample size is large enough. If, however, a method based on the noncentral F…

This booklet, part of a series of four which provide problems in probability and statistics for the secondary school level, is aimed at aiding the student in developing models as structure for data and in learning how to change models to fit real-life problems. Twelve different problem situations arising from biology, business, English, physical…

This guidebook on minimum content for a study of probability and its applications was designed for the student who has mastered second-year algebra. Covered in this booklet are sample spaces; tree diagrams, permutations, combinations, probability concepts and applications; and game theory. The course goals and performance objectives are specified,…

This paper presents an index of goodness-of-fit for comparing m models over n trials. The index allows for differentiated weighting of the trials as to their importance in the comparison of the models. Several possible weighting schemes are suggested and the conditions on the weights which assure asymptotic normality of the index distribution are…

In order to investigate the use of strategies in a game-playing computer program, "Gammon," a computer program that plays Backgammon, was developed. It focuses on the play of a given strategy, as well as the process of strategy selection, and examines the concept of strategy as an integrating and driving force in the play of a game. A…

This booklet contains some 80 problems in mathematics suitable for computer solution. The problems range from very simple to complex. Problems have been included from most mathematic disciplines, including number theory, analytical geometry, probability and statistics, trigonometry, equations, and sequence and limits. For the most part these…

In this report, the author suggests changes in the treatment of overhead costs by hypothesizing that "the effectiveness of standard costing in planning and controlling overhead costs can be increased through the use of probability theory and associated statistical techniques." To test the hypothesis, the author (1) presents an overview of the…

This report presents the results of research that examined widely diverse decision problems and attempted to specify their common behavior elements. To take into account the psychological complexity of most real-life decision problems, and to develop a tentative organization of decision behavior that will embrace the many, highly diverse types of…

Unit 18 in the SMSG secondary school mathematics series is a student text covering the following topics: logarithms and exponents; trigonometry; the system of vectors; polar form of complex numbers; sequences and series; permutations, combinations, and the binomial theorem; and algebraic structures. (DT)

The development of an index reflecting the probability that the observed correspondence between multiple choice test responses of two examinees was due to chance in the absence of copying was previously reported. The present paper reports the implementation of a statistic requiring less restrictive underlying assumptions but more computation time…

Tables of life expectancy can provide data for use in a great variety of problems related to probability theory. (SD)

Activities suitable for use with primary school students are described. The author offers advice concerning expectations of the students, use of the vocabulary of probability, integration of activities with other classroom work, and related topics. (SD)

The game of roulette is analyzed. (SD)

The idea of "complete permutations" of n distinct objects is explored in order to investigate an application of the concept that arises in Rex Stout's mystery novel, Too Many Cooks. (MN)

An example involving a hypothetical television commercial is offered as an indication of how instructors might start their material in teaching the principles and practice of statistical thinking. (MN)