Student modeling--the task of building dynamic models of student ability--is fraught with uncertainty, caused by such factors as multiple sources of student errors, careless errors and lucky guesses, learning and forgetting. Within the context of the Sherlock intelligent tutoring systems project, we have been experimenting with various ways of…

The functioning of two population-based Mantel-Haenszel (MH) common-odds ratios was compared. One ratio is conditioned on the observed test score, while the other is conditioned on a latent trait or true ability score. When the comparison group distributions are incongruent or nonoverlapping to some degree, the observed score represents different…

This study presents an overview of Monte Carlo studies in discriminant analysis. Some common questions about the use of Monte Carlo techniques are answered through a brief literature review of articles on discriminant analysis in which Monte Carlo methods are used. The articles cover many research points, such as comparing error rate estimates,…

The difference between compensatory and non-compensatory item response theory (IRT) models in terms of the dimensionality of test data generated by them, and its effect on the model-data-fit were examined. The STRESS (proportion of variance not accounted for by the multidimensional scaling model) and RSQ (proportion of variance accounted for by…

Perceptual-motor and cognitive processes whereby people perform multiple concurrent tasks have been studied through an overlapping-tasks procedure in which two successive choice-reaction tasks are performed with a variable interval (stimulus onset asynchrony, or SOA) between the beginning of the first and second tasks. The increase in subjects'…

A new index for assessing the dimensionality underlying a set of test items was investigated. The incremental fit index (IFI) is based on the sum of squares of the residual covariances. Purposes of the study were to: (1) examine the distribution of the IFI in the null situation, with truly unidimensional data; (2) examine the rejection rate of the…

Three methods of factor analyzing dichotomously scored item performance data were compared using two raw score data sets of 20-item tests, one reflecting normally distributed latent traits and the other reflecting uniformly distributed latent traits. This comparison was accomplished by using phi and tetrachoric correlations among dichotomous data…

Predictors of novice learning in simulation environments were investigated in the domain of statistics. The first objective was to clarify the relation between intellectual ability and working method (e.g., orientation and systematical orderliness), and to determine the effects on learning of working method, independently of intellectual ability.…

Multiple group factor analysis is described and illustrated through a simulation involving 5,000 examinees. The estimation process of the group factors were implemented using the TESTFACT program of Wilson and others (1987). Group factor analysis is described as a special case of confirmatory factor analysis. Group factors can be computed based on…

Metacognitive skills may be defined in a variety of ways. Generally, these ways all apply to people's thinking about their own personal thinking. This research study analyzed students' interactions to computer programs to assess their metacognitive skills. The metacognitive skills assessed were: (1) planning a course of action; (2) monitoring the…

Monte Carlo simulation is a computer modeling procedure for mimicking observations on a random variable. A random number generator is used in generating the outcome for the events that are being modeled. The simulation can be used to obtain results that otherwise require extensive testing or complicated computations. This paper describes how Monte…

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate that a systematic approach to the graphical analysis of Rasch model residuals can lead to an increased understanding of ordered response data, and that residual patterns do change in predictable ways, and that summary statistics need not be the only piece of evidence for assuring the fit between model…

A study examined the relationship between organizational communication systems and organizational culture and between culture and two human relations-based outcomes--satisfaction and commitment. Subjects were 26 college students who were assigned positions in one of two simulated, bureaucratic organizations that functioned for four class periods.…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: 1.4E. PRODUCER: Earthware Computer Services, P.O. Box 30039, Eugene, OR 07403. EVALUATION COMPLETED: June 1982 by staff of NWREL and constituents of the Alaska Department of Education. COST: $49.50. ABILITY LEVEL: Secondary and College. SUBJECT:…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT (Except for the Evaluation Summary Table): VERSION: Copyright 1979. PRODUCER: Mentor Software, Inc., Box 8082, St. Paul, Minnesota 55113. EVALUATION COMPLETED: March 14, 1982 by the staff and constituents of Texas Region X Educational Service Center. COST: $19.95. ABILITY LEVEL: Grade 11+. SUBJECT:…