Reviews the uses of DEMOS, a set of demographic computer simulations which can be used to improve instruction in introductory sociology courses. Gives examples of both interactive and noninteractive exercises, concluding that DEMOS is easy to use and enjoyable, with approximately 90 percent of students recommending its continued use. (GEA)

Expert systems are computerized databases that can diagnose and recommend treatment for persons who are ill. The database contains information on more than 7,600 diseases generated from exhaustive questioning of experts. These systems supplement human expertise but do not replace the good teaching of physicians. (VM)

Emphasizes the effectiveness of teaching journalism skills through hypothetical role plays. Outlines the Environmental Risk Reporting Project's use of hypotheticals to teach coverage of environmental emergencies, and notes that videotapes of the presentation are also useful teaching aids. (MM)

Explains how media law and ethics courses can generate student involvement through the use of fictitious congressional representatives and hearings. (MM)

Discusses a program in Belgium which studied the use of computers as teaching devices for economics and business education in secondary schools. Describes three courses in which the computer is used as a source of information, as a tool for computer assisted instruction, and as a tool for simulation. (GEA)

The use of the arc-sine transformation in analysis of variance can lead to difficult inference situations and pose problems in interpretation. It can also produce tests of noticeably lower power when the null hypothesis is false, and is not recommended as a standard tool. Simulated illustrations are provided. (Author/GDC)

States that history instruction can be made meaningful and enlightening only by examining historical choices and their results against available options and likely consequences. Presenting examples, the author argues that well-crafted historical simulations focusing on such elements as choice and consequence, strategy and tactics provide a useful…

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of using computer simulations (including those involving application of mathematical models) in teaching physiology and pharmacology, indicating that the major benefit is in performing experiments that cannot be performed in the laboratory. Also considers a simulation on the interaction of drugs with…

Computer sampling from a multivariate normal spherical population was used to evaluate the type one error rates for a test of sphericity based on the distribution of the determinant of the sample correlation matrix. (Author/LMO)

A simulation model of episodic memory, MINERVA Z, is applied to the learning of concepts, as represented by the schema-abstraction task. The model successfully predicts basic findings from the scheme-abstraction literature, including some that have been cited as evidence against exemplary theories of concepts. (Author/LMO)

A model of information processing has been developed that combines concepts from the study of attention and the study of problem solving. The model has been realized as a computer program and used to simulate a variety of phenomena from the attention and performance literature. (Author/LMO)

Explains an experiment in text-searching retrieval for cancer questions which developed and used computer procedures (via human simulation) to select search words from medical dictionaries. This study is based on an earlier one in which search words were humanly selected, and the recall results of the two studies are compared. (Author/LRW)

The author discusses advantages and disadvantages of computer-based training. She covers the search for high quality courseware, computers' effects on cognitive processes, the difference between classroom and computer-based training, using simulations, control of the learning experience, and the value of repetition. (CH)

This article presents an interview with Robert Taylor, a leading figure in educational computing. Among the topics covered are: (1) current developments in educational computing, (2) the changing role of teachers, (3) the resources computer technology will provide to social studies teachers, and (4) whether the probable future uses of computers…

This article provides a diverse collection of examples of computer use in elementary and secondary school social studies. Names and addresses are provided for contacting many of the projects. (JDH)