This study presents the results of a partial credit Rasch analysis of in-depth interview data exploring statistical understanding of 73 school students in 6 contextual settings. The use of Rasch analysis allowed the exploration of a single underlying variable across contexts, which included probability sampling, representation of temperature…

Four different approaches to residual entropy (the entropy remaining in crystals comprised of nonsymmetric molecules like CO, N[subscript 2]O, FClO[subscript 3], and H[subscript 2]O as temperatures approach 0 K) are analyzed and a new method of its calculation is developed based on application of the Boltzmann distribution. The inherent connection…

To examine the effect of reinforcer density in prize-based abstinence reinforcement, heroin/cocaine users (N = 116) in methadone maintenance (100 mg/day) were randomly assigned to a noncontingent control group (NonC) or to 1 of 3 groups that earned prize draws for abstinence: manual drawing with standard prize density (MS) or computerized drawing…

This booklet suggests activities that reflect findings from recent educational research on curriculum, assessment, and instruction, as well as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards pertaining to probability and statistics. Each teacher's guide for the 13 hands-on activities includes objectives stemming from NCTM…

The sampling distribution is a common source of misuse and misunderstanding in the study of statistics. The sampling distribution, underlying distribution, and the Central Limit Theorem are all interconnected in defining and explaining the proper use of the sampling distribution of various statistics. The sampling distribution of a statistic is…

Considered in this paper are a mathematical discussion and an algorithm, and a computer program for Fisher's test. (Author)

ORDMET is applicable to structures obtained from additive conjoint measurement designs, unfolding theory, general Fechnerian scaling, types of multidimensional scaling, and ordinal multiple regression. A description is obtained of the space containing all possible numerical representations which can satisfy the structure, size, and shape of which…

Examines the question of how large a sample must be in order to produce empirical Bayes estimates which are preferable to other commonly used estimates, such as proportion correct observed score. (Author/RC)

Multiple linear regression has been shown to be applicable for analysis of variance hypotheses, for scaling purposes, and for analysis of single organism data. The present paper shows the application to chi square. (Author)

The record values of the Pareto distribution, labelled Pareto (II) (alpha, beta, nu), are reviewed. The best linear unbiased estimates of the parameters in terms of the record values are provided. The prediction of the sth record value based on the first m (s>m) record values are obtained. A classical Pareto distribution provides reasonably…

Several steps are taken to develop methods for analyzing systems that involve probabilistic causation. The basic ideas and distinctions are illustrated for systems with dichotomous variables. It is shown that these basic ideas have analogous counterparts in causal systems with continuous variables. By using a generalized conditional probability…

Configural frequency analysis (CFA), a new method for identifying types, is illustrated numerically. Relations to latent class analysis and to factor analysis are discussed. It is suggested to use CFA as a type-defining method instead of factor analysis if the variables are linked not only by first but also by higher-order associations. (RC)

The use of Bayesian methodology to assign grades in classroom situations is presented. Assigning a grade is viewed from a criterion, as opposed to norm, referenced perspective. Criteria include mastery of some proportion, determined by the teacher, of the subject matter covered in a course. Different levels of mastery are deemed possible and,…