Tests of (n=107) third through sixth graders' basic addition facts found that 34% of errors involved the addition of zero and 83% of the remaining errors involved at least one of the digits 7, 8, or 9 when the other addend was 4 or more. (20 references) (MKR)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine how error patterns and a clinical approach to assessing third grade students' mathematical knowledge interrelate to design a computer diagnostic system for subtraction. Error patterns are examined, and computer diagnostic systems and analytical testing are discussed. (34 references) (LRW)

Predictive validity of preadmissions measures may be understated because of correctable defects in freshman year and cumulative high school grade point averages (GPAs). A study used item response theory (IRT) to develop a more reliable measure of performance and test it using Stanford University data. Results showed increased predictability.…

A checklist is presented to identify common problems students exhibit in arithmetic. Alongside general areas of need, common mistakes are listed to help diagnose error patterns for targeting specific skills and designing effective intervention. General areas include readiness, problem solving, whole-number computations, fraction computations, and…

Spelling errors made by children on initial consonant clusters of words were studied in 5 experiments with 130 first graders and 20 kindergartners. Young spellers have frequent problems with initial consonant clusters. Results suggest that difficulties in phonemic awareness lead to corresponding spelling difficulties. (SLD)

This response to Fey (EC 604 058) discusses the use of the term "phonological" to describe disordered speech patterns and suggests that phonological disorders include both phonetic and phonemic error types. Describing errors as either phonetic or phonemic is seen to lead to differential treatment procedures. (Author/DB)

Twelve secondary students with learning disabilities read aloud from a text after previewing the passage under one of three conditions. Results showed significant decreases in error rates under slow-rate listening previewing and silent previewing and showed that slow-rate listening previewing resulted in fewer errors per minute than did fast-rate…

To test the cross-cultural generality of relational-models theory, 4 studies with 70 adults examined social errors of substitution of persons for Bengali, Korean, Chinese, and Vai (Liberia and Sierra Leone) subjects. In all four cultures, people tend to substitute someone with whom they have the same basic relationship. (SLD)

To investigate mistakes in the reporting of diagnostic efficiency statistics, all studies of the diagnostic performance of self-report scales in two psychological journals published between 1980 and 1991 were reviewed. Of 26 relevant studies, 9 had an error in calculation of diagnostic efficiency. Implications are discussed. (SLD)

Analyzes the metaphors and theories used by instructors to conceive of their work with students labeled as "basic writers." Posits alternative metaphors for these students. Discusses theoretical and pedagogical approaches to written "error." Argues for a redefinition of the "territory of basic writing" as…

This article describes an empirical investigation of the extent to which incorrect arithmetic algorithms persist over time. Results with 30 fourth-year and third-year English students over up to 3 months shed light on "bugs," or students' learning of incorrect concepts, and indicate that they are not very stable in children of this age.…

Compared 3- and 5-year olds' recall of a pediatric examination in verbal versus enactment interviews. Found that children in the enactment condition provided more spontaneous, elaborate reports than did children in verbal interview. Enactment produced increased errors by 3-year olds one week after examination, by both age groups after six weeks.…

Analyzes simulated performance ratings on a six-point scale by two independent raters to account for nonsystematic error in performance ratings. Results suggest that rater agreement or covariance is not always a dependable estimate of score reliability and that the practice of seeking additional raters for adjudication of discrepant ratings is not…

Identifies and discusses ten factors that contribute to the difficulties that language learners may have in dealing with false cognates. Provides suggestions for minimizing confusion. (Author/VWL)

Meta-analysis of the A-not-B error was conducted, using logistic regression, on studies conducted before September 1997. Results replicated earlier findings, with exception that the number of trials at the A location was a significant predictor, and the number of locations was a significant predictor of the proportion of infants who searched…