Demonstrates how principles of simulation help students develop working models or prototypes. Explains how computer software enables this process for learners with only basic computer knowledge. (SK)

The consequences of underextracting factors and components within and between the methods of maximum likelihood factor analysis and principal components analysis were examined through computer simulation. The principal components score and the factor score estimate (T. W. Anderson and H. Rubin, 1956) tended to become different with…

Presents a design framework that incorporates integrated structures for modeling knowledge and skills, designing tasks, and extracting and synthesizing evidence. Illustrates these ideas in the context of a project that assesses problem solving in dental hygiene through computer-based simulations. (SLD)

Discusses research in spatial cognition that uses computer-simulated three dimensional environments and evaluates the use of virtual desktop environments by replicating an experiment which was formerly done in a laboratory or real world setting. Investigates the role of landmarks when acquiring route knowledge in a system of paths. (Author/LRW)

Describes advances in and advantages of computer simulation in education and industry. Gives examples from health care and waste handling industries and technology education classrooms. (SK)

Forms a conceptual framework for studying learning in artificial environments, i.e. computer-supported simulations of natural environments. Discusses the ideas that cognition is embodied in physical activity, that this activity is embedded in a learning environment, and that learning is the result of adaptation of the learner to the environment…

Provides a classification scheme for computer simulation, role playing, and educational games. Discusses outcomes of each when applied in business and management education and training. (Contains 52 references.) (SK)

A theory of classical conditioning is presented, which is based on a parallel, rule-based performance system integrated with mechanisms for inductive learning. A major inferential heuristic incorporated into the theory involves "unusualness," which is focused on novel cues. The theory is implemented via computer simulation. (TJH)

A simulation study by B. D. Wright and G. A. Douglas is critiqued, which indicates that the unconditional maximum likelihood method is an appropriate substitute for the theoretically superior conditional method for estimating parameters of the Rasch model. The study appears to rest on inadequate logic. (TJH)

Describes exploratory experiments in evaluating and improving a thesaurus through studying its effect on retrieval. A formula was developed to measure the conceptual distance between queries and documents encoded as sets of thesaurus terms. Comparison to the performance of people judging conceptual distance shows that the formula accurately…

The theoretical approaches taken by the LOGIST and BILOG computer programs for estimating the parameters of the three-parameter logistic item response model, and their practical consequences, are compared. Guidelines for choosing between the programs for particular applications are offered. (SLD)

Presents the theory behind the mechanics demonstration that involves projecting a ball vertically upward from a ballistic cart moving along an inclined plane. The measured overshoot is believed to be due, in part, to the presence of rolling friction and the inertial properties of the cart wheels. (JRH)

Large-sample standard errors of linear equating for the counterbalanced design are derived using the general delta method. Computer simulations found that standard errors derived without the normality assumption were more accurate than those derived with the normality assumption in a large sample with moderately skewed score distributions. (SLD)

Explores the relationship between virtual reality (VR) stimulation and perceptual equivalence. Topics include perceived realism; creating a virtual illusion; displayed realism; and VR as an instructional technology. (Author/AEF)

Examples of two theory-based computerized learning systems--Smithtown and Sherlock--show that most success arises when learning tasks are well structured. Such systems teach procedural rather than conceptual knowledge and support individualized learning better than group learning. (SK)