Five methods for testing the hypothesis of independence between two sets of variates were compared through simulation. Results indicate that two new methods, based on robust measures reflecting the linear association between two random variables, provide reasonably accurate control over Type I errors. Drawbacks to rank-based methods are discussed.…

This article describes a simulation activity in which students with deafness were "sold" and treated as slaves for half a day. Evaluation indicated that the "slaves" developed deeply negative feelings about slavery as they experienced the physical labor and personal humiliation involved in slavery, and "masters" felt uncomfortable treating…

Inservice workshops employing simulation exercises can effectively provide school board training. Such training encourages board members to view problems from numerous perspectives, develop confidence, and build camaraderie. Problem-solving simulation steps are outlined, and six sample scenarios are offered for consideration. (MLH)

Reviews development of standardized case simulations and treatment planning criteria by two nationwide panels of interdisciplinary mental health experts. Notes that simulations show promise as performance-based assessments of clinical judgment across profession, theoretical orientation, and other therapist variables. Discusses application of…

Includes four articles: "Virtual Reality" (Kopf), description of its uses in computer-assisted design, architecture, and technical training; "SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) Robotics Contest Opens Doors to Future" (Wagner); "Superconductivity" (Canady), description of classroom demonstrations and experiments;…

A method of comparing one-step M-estimates of location for heavy tailed distributions is proposed and investigated. Simulations indicate that the new procedure provides good control over Type I errors and has more power than do some other methods for dealing with heavy tailed distributions. (SLD)

Describes a linguistic analysis computational system that responds to highly complex queries about morphosyntactic and semantic structures contained in large sets of language acquisition data by identifying, displaying, and analyzing sentences that meet the defined linguistic criteria. (30 references) (Author/CB)

In artificial life research, scientists use the principles of evolution to develop complex behaviors from simple elements. By creating lifelike processes, they are trying to understand real organisms and explore possibilities for life in other circumstances. Techniques used are diverse, including biological testing, robotics, and computer…

Case means and case failures in performance-based medical student evaluations were examined to evaluate the consistency of ratings made by two or more standardized patients (SPs) simulating the same case. Results demonstrate a need for caution in interpreting scores obtained from a case checklist completed by multiple SPs. (Author/MSE)

Smallest exact confidence intervals for the ability parameter of the Rasch model are derived and compared to the traditional asymptotically valid intervals based on Fisher information. Tables of exact confidence intervals, termed Clopper-Pearson intervals, can be drawn up with a computer program developed by K. Klauer. (SLD)

Six computer applications in education are word processing, computer-assisted instruction, computer-aided design, computer authoring systems, computer data systems, and computer storage. Computers may assist students with three learning stages: acquisition, transformation, and evaluation of information. Advances in computer programing, software,…

Using a Monte Carlo simulation, a bootstrap procedure was evaluated for setting a confidence interval on the unrestricted population correlation (rho) assuming various degrees of incomplete truncation on the predictor. Sample size was the most important factor in determining accuracy and stability. Sample size should be at least 50. (SLD)

Four groups of 24 undergraduates each received the following instruction on logic circuits: (1) lab, then readings; (2) computer simulation, then readings; (3) readings, then lab; and (4) readings, then simulation. Results showed that advance exposure to experiential activity (lab or simulation) aided the learning of unfamiliar technical material…

Describes a role-play exercise that offers an experiential means to teach counseling students about process consultation. Claims exercise provides an experiential framework for understanding the role of the consultant but also illustrates the complexity of interpersonal dynamics within an existing organization. (ABL)

This Monte Carlo simulation studied the relative power of 8 tests for sphericity in randomized block designs where sample size was small (10, 15, 20, and 30) and population covariance matrices of dimension-to-sample size ratio approached 1.0. The locally best invariant test demonstrated substantial power to detect departures from sphericity. (SLD)