Investigated the effectiveness of H. Wainer's (1993) strategy for obtaining positively biased ability estimates when examinees can review and change answers on computerized adaptive tests. Results, based on simulation and testing data from 87 college students, show that the Wainer strategy sometimes yields inflated ability estimates and sometimes…

Investigated the performance of the Poly-DIMTEST (PD) procedure (and associated computer program) in assessing the unidimensionality of test data produced by polytomous items through Monte Carlo simulation. Results show that PD can confirm unidimensionality for unidimensional simulated data and can detect lack of unidimensionality. (SLD)

Examines the relationship between Cronbach's coefficient alpha and the reliability of a composite of a prespecified set of interrelated nonhomogeneous components through simulation. Shows that alpha can over- or underestimate scale reliability at the population level. Illustrates the bias in terms of structural parameters. (SLD)

Describes four procedures previously developed for estimating conditional standard errors of measurement for scale scores and compares them in a simulation study. All four procedures appear viable. Recommends that test users select a procedure based on various factors such as the type of scale score of concern, test characteristics, assumptions…

Describes how the simulation of Mars settlement is conducted in a class at Northern Arizona University and discusses the pedagogical and anthropological premises involved. The course requires students to use both halves of their brains, to use technology creatively, and to bind creativity to technological feasibility. (MMU)

The behavior of eight measures of fit used to evaluate confirmatory factor analysis models was studied through Monte Carlo simulation to determine the extent to which sample size, model size, estimation procedure, and level of nonnormality affect fit when analyzing polytomous data. Implications of results for evaluating fit are discussed. (SLD)

A series of evaluations of total enterprise simulation in business capstone courses found no direct positive relationship between performance in the management game and learning outcomes. Ability to play the game did not correlate to learning. (SK)

Considers the role of the simulation designer in the development of business enterprise simulations used in collegiate business education. Topics include the designer's knowledge domain; conflicting business administration theories in accounting, finance, economics, marketing, production, and income tax; and other designer issues. (LRW)

Defines discovery learning and explains five learning architectures, or models, including case-based learning, incidental learning, learning by exploring, learning by reflection, and simulation-based learning. Discusses obstacles in applying discovery learning to library instruction and outlines strategies for overcoming the obstacles. (LRW)

A person-fit method that allows researchers to identify nonfitting response vectors is the l(z) statistic. Simulation results show that l(z) may not perform as expected when estimated person parameters are used rather than true person parameters. Other considerations in using true and estimated person parameters are discussed. (SLD)

Some uniqueness properties are presented for the PARAFAC2 model for covariance matrices, focusing on uniqueness in the rank two case of PARAFAC2. PARAFAC2 is shown to be usually unique with four matrices, but not unique with three unless a certain additional assumption is introduced. (SLD)

Describes a spreadsheet that can be used to show the changes in intensity of Fraunhofer diffraction patterns produced by a single and double slits arrangement. Discusses a practical demonstration of diffraction that allows data to be logged and entered into the spreadsheet. (DDR)

Properties of the pseudolikelihood method of estimating Rasch model item parameters, which is based on comparing responses to pairs of items without regard to other items, are studied. Simulation found pseudolikelihood estimates comparable to conditional and marginal maximum likelihood estimates. (SLD)

Type I error rates for the Johansen test were estimated using simulated data for a variety of conditions. Results indicate that Type I error rates for the Johansen test depend heavily on the number of groups and the ratio of the smallest sample size to the number of dependent variables. Sample size guidelines are presented. (SLD)

Describes a replication study that explored differences between intermediate experts and novices mastering recurrent demands using a computer-based simulation. Functionality of mental models, declarative knowledge, acceptance of the learning environment, and intrinsic motivation to learn are discussed, and results that show no advantage for…