Various federal agencies and the courts are facing questions about the legality and potential discrimination in sex-segregated mortality tables and discrepancies in retirement and insurance benefits. By using unisex mortality tables, TIAA-CREF is an unwilling pioneer in the insurance industry, but the tables' ultimate form remains in question.…

The uses of random number generators are illustrated in three ways: (1) the solution of a probability problem using a coin; (2) the solution of a system of simultaneous linear equations using a die; and (3) the approximation of pi using darts. (MP)

The use of the randomized response technique as a tool of obtaining answers to sensitive questions is illustrated. Directions for two classroom experiments are included. (MP)

An alternative to the uniform probability distribution model for ordinal data is considered. Implications for statistics and for test theory are discussed. (JKS)

In this "thank-you" letter to Mr. Pascal, many applications for Pascal's triangle are pointed out. (MK)

A discussion is given on the probability of winning at the game of craps. Variations are discussed in terms of probabilities. (MP)

Analyzes the transmission coefficient for a completely general one-dimensional rectangular potential, or well, simply by concentrating on psi squared rather than psi. Gives graphs of all cases of psi squared. (Author/GA)

The Guttman scale is discussed from the viewpoint of errors in response patterns. The errors are assumed to be distributed as a binomial. A double-barreled significance test is suggested having two probabilities: high probability and low probability. (Author)

A short course in probability and statistics for administrators and managers is described. Topics covered in one of the lecture sessions are discussed. (DT)

A sophomore-level course in applications of mathematics was designed to introduce students to the diversity of situations in which mathematical models are used. The course precedes the study of the calculus, and is composed of a sequence of modules. A problem-solving approach is used. (SD)

Describes a series of lessons designed to supplement textbook instruction of probability by addressing the ideas of "equally likely,""not equally likely," and "fairness," as well as to introduce the difference between theoretical and experimental probability. Presents four lessons using The Wind Racer games to study probability. (ASK)

Highlights the use of spreadsheets in studying and investigating probabilistic situations with both high school students and preservice mathematics teachers. (ASK)

Presents various simple activities to use with two-color counters as a vehicle for teaching concepts such as observation, classification, counting, recording, graphing, developing relational language, number sense, and beginning ideas of probability. (AIM)

Suggests guided discovery techniques to help students find the rule by which an arrival sequence of consecutively numbered school buses is considered a "success," and presents arguments by Honsberger for a formula to calculate the number of successful patterns for a given number of buses. (SEW)

Two procedures for classifying examinees into categories, one based on the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) and the other on sequential Bayes methodology, were compared to determine which required fewer items for classification. Results showed that the SPRT procedure requires fewer items to achieve the same accuracy level. (SLD)