The procedures yielding confidence intervals for maximized alpha coefficients of Joe and Woodward are reviewed. Confidence interval procedures of Whalen and Masson are next reviewed. Results are then presented of a Monte Carlo investigation of the procedures. (Author/CTM)

The two-part activity fosters a group sense of the shared concerns of parents of gifted children. Descriptions of 10 gifted children are provided for use in the activity. (PHR)

Suggestions for possible homework assignments involving physical education activities and a list of simulated games manufacturers are provided. (LH)

The innovative technology of simulations and games offers an attractive alternative for satellite transmission programing. They can help provide programs that involve the participants and make maximum use of the unique characteristics of long-distance transmission. (Author/JEG)

Discusses the values of using simulation as a teaching technique in the preparation of vocational administrators for individual and group problem solving. (Editor/TA)

Four statistics are proposed for the detection of local dependence (LD) among items analyzed using item response theory. Simulation results show that, under the locally dependent condition, the X-squared and G-squared indexes appear to be sensitive in detecting LD or multidimensionality among items. (SLD)

A computer simulation study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using logistic regression procedures to detect differential item functioning (DIF) in polytomous items. Results indicate that logistic regression is powerful in detecting most forms of DIF, although it requires large amounts of data manipulation and careful interpretation.…

A management simulation game that trains student nurses for clinical practice was evaluated using 528 responses from 557 participants. The vast majority found it an enjoyable and appropriate way to learn skills in a safe environment. Teamwork and information sharing with peers were also valuable. (SK)

Used three approaches to understand the effect of the number of variables in the model on model fit in structural equation modeling through computer simulation. Developed a simple formula for the theoretical value of the comparative fit index. (SLD)

Attempted to illuminate practical limitations on the Rasch model by focusing on the recovery of the density scale through five simulation trials. Results show that when error distributions are insufficient, the results may be ordinal at best, and when error distributions are nonsymmetrical, the positions of items may be biased with respect to the…

Used Monte Carlo simulation to compare the properties of a goodness-of-fit (GOF) procedure and a test statistic developed by E. Bartfay and A. Donner (2001) to the likelihood ratio test in assessing the existence of extra variation. Results show the GOF procedure possess satisfactory Type I error rate and power. (SLD)

Role playing is a useful method for teaching cultural competence in nurse-patient situations. Successful implementation depends on identification of objectives and grading criteria, adequate time, guidelines for role specifications, monitoring of the process, delineation of the relationship to theory, and facilitation of constructive analysis.…

Discussion pf the stress associated with the educational use of games and simulations focuses on a study of graduate students that used the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to determine that people with certain personality types experience stress at different intensities. Also found that all participants, regardless of personality type, needed…

Studied the performance of rank (percentile) estimators in a basic two-stage hierarchical model capturing essential features of more complicated models commonly used to estimate effects. Simulation results highlight the need to assess whether even optimal percentile estimators perform sufficiently well to be used to evaluate teachers or schools.…

A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to study the Type I error rate and power of the 1994 approximation developed by R. A. Alexander and D. M. Govern as an alternative to the analysis of variance "F" test. Conditions under which this test is the best approach are discussed. (SLD)