Examined the behavior of item and person statistics from item response theory and classical test theory frameworks through Monte Carlo methods with simulated test data. Findings suggest that item difficulty and person ability estimates are highly comparable for both approaches. (SLD)

Discusses conceptual knowledge acquisition using computer simulation and describes a study of undergraduates that examined the role of metacognitive skillfulness and intellectual ability during initial inductive learning with a complex computer simulation. Results showed that metacognitive skillfulness was positively related to learning behavior…

A study found that dental students' previous experience with simulated operative procedures transferred well to subsequent training in other operative procedures but not to procedures in fixed prosthodontics, suggesting that transfer of training is highly specific. (Author/MSE)

A model for organizing crisis intervention efforts outlines three levels of intervention: primary prevention, secondary intervention, and tertiary prevention. Emphasizes the importance of conducting crisis drills, which are an example of secondary intervention. Includes a 15-point crisis intervention checklist. (MLF)

The literature on the use of standardized patients, lay persons trained to portray a particular patient, is reviewed, focusing on their use in medical education and potential applications in dental education. A test of 80 dental students using standardized patients is also described and evaluated. (MSE)

A method is presented that simultaneously estimates cluster membership and corresponding regression functions for a sample of observations or subjects. This methodology is presented with the simulated annealing-based algorithm. A set of Monte Carlo analyses is included to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm. (SLD)

A Monte Carlo study of the validity of the Inverse Scree Test under conditions where true group membership is known was conducted. Fifty cluster analyses of each distribution involving 2 to 5 true groups of 3,000 simulated subjects were made. Implications for the data analyst are discussed. (SLD)

Major issues related to index-of-fit conjoint analysis were addressed in this simulation study. Goals were to develop goodness-of-fit criteria for conjoint analysis; develop tests to determine the significance of conjoint analysis results; and calculate the power of the test of the null hypothesis of random data distribution. (SLD)

The study examined how 3 medical information-gathering processes (history-taking, physical examination, and diagnostic studies) influenced 175 second-year medical students' formulations of the differential and the principal diagnoses of 14 simulated patient management problems in comparison with experienced clinicians. Students emphasized…

Discussion of the difference between an educational simulation and other interactive learning events highlights the effects terminology can have on both facilitators and participants. Five common mistakes made in running simulations are identified, and gaming terminology used in Britain and in the United States is discussed. (three references)…

Describes the use of computer graphics simulations to enhance student understanding of sampling distributions that arise in introductory statistics. Highlights include the distribution of sample proportions, the distribution of the difference of sample means, the distribution of the difference of sample proportions, and the distribution of sample…

Provides educational resources for teaching geography from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC). Includes units on the Model United Nations, China, Middle America, and the United States. Resources stress themes of economic, political, and social interactions and interdependence. Provides simulations, maps, sample tests, and lesson…

Procedures for implementing parallel analysis (PA) criteria in practice were compared, examining regression equation methods that can be used to estimate random data eigenvalues from known values of the sample size and number of variables. More internally accurate methods for determining PA criteria are presented. (SLD)

A Monte Carlo study determined the Inverse Scree Test's shape with various numbers of true groups and under different conditions of distribution shape and sample size. Six simulated distributions of 3,000 subjects each and 1 with 1,500 were created. Findings suggest relative distribution independence, number independence, and modest…

Discussion of the use of business simulations in the classroom focuses on performance measurement and evaluation of managerial potential of individual players. The use of profit figures as a performance measure is examined, problems with evaluation by profits are described, and the use of forecasts and estimates as alternative evaluation criteria…