An approach is described for teaching formulation of mathematical models to undergraduates with no modeling experience. Instruction is based on observation of successful patterns of behavior. (MP)

An attempt was made to validate for sentence type items a mathematical model for inventory response. Data were gathered from subjects responding under candid and under faking sets. In the former case only limited support for the model was found, but in the latter it seemed highly relevant. (Author/RC)

Illustrates how mathematicians work and do mathematical research through the use of a puzzle. Demonstrates how general rules, then theorems develop from special cases. This approach may be used as a research project in high school classrooms or math club settings with the teacher helping to formulate questions, set goals, and avoid becoming…

Presents new proofs of the Pythagorean theorem while exploring examination questions. Briefly reviews the work of Elisha Scott Loomis, a mathematician who amassed 320 different proofs of the theorem. (DDR)

Presents a mathematical model of the development of reaching behavior in infants, along with the results of two experiments that showed that infant movements could be decomposed into the underlying submovements using a principled method; and the angular error in infant reaches matches the form and magnitude of error assumed by the model. (MDM)

Generalizations of L. A. Goodman's RC(M) association model (1991 and earlier) are presented for three-way tables. These three-mode association models use L. R. Tucker's three-mode components model (1964, 1966) to represent the three-factor interaction or the combined effects of two- and three-factor interactions. (SLD)

A Monte Carlo study evaluated the effectiveness of different factor analysis extraction and rotation methods for identifying the known population multiple-indicator measurement model. Results demonstrate that exploratory factor analysis can contribute to a useful heuristic strategy for model specification prior to cross-validation with…

Proves a theorem about the invariance of the Lotka function under a transformation that maps numbers of authors as variables to number of collaborators as variables. A general approach to incorporate the average number of collaborators in a production function is discussed, leading to a general framework to model multirelational data. (Author/LRW)

A general approach for fitting a model to a data matrix by weighted least squares (WLS) is studied. The approach consists of iteratively performing steps of existing algorithms for ordinary least squares fitting of the same model and is based on maximizing a function that majorizes WLS loss function. (Author/SLD)

Notes that using spreadsheets to teach microeconomics principles enables learning by doing in the exploration of basic concepts. Introduction of increasingly complex topics leads to exploration of theory and managerial decision making. (SK)

Proposes a system to help at-risk students develop problem solving skills. Provides some teaching methods and evaluation ideas. (KHR)

Reports on middle school students' use of dynamic physical models to interpret functions. Includes student creations of symbolic variables and function equations. (KHR)

Presents activities designed to engage students in an experiential and theoretical application of problems in precalculus and to study geometry, coordinate systems, rates, linear applications, and the concept of function. Illustrates problem situations and includes student worksheets and a teacher's guide. (KHR)

Describes a lesson plan in which students design scale models of kitchens using proportional reasoning and measuring skills. (YDS)

Describes the development of mathematical thinking as children construct a mini mall. Students learn the importance of cooperation with their peers as they explore mathematical concepts such as one-to-one correspondence, classification, intersection of sets, coin identification and values, addition, subtraction, and problem solving. (Author/NB)