A technique is presented for applying the Rule Space methodology of cognitive diagnosis to assessment in a semantically rich domain. The approach bases diagnosis on item characteristics that are more abstract than individual problem-solving steps. The method is illustrated through a test of architectural knowledge completed by 122 architects. (SLD)

The seven articles of this theme issue deal with the use of computer-based interactive graphical representations. Studying their use will bring answers to users of static graphics in traditional paper-based media and those who plan instruction using graphical representations that allow semantically direct manipulation. (SLD)

Criticizes the use of the term "education for all" that appeared in an article by Lene Buchert in an earlier issue of this journal. This author argues that Buchert's research strategy is flawed, and that Buchert should have established general, organizing principles for the research undertaken. (CAK)

Describes forms of semantic reinvestment of occupational lexis items in Nigerian English. Three categories and two subcategories of reinvestment are identified: shift, generalization, narrowing, reassignment, and analogy. These types of semantic reinvestment are considered within a sociocultural and linguistic setting of Nigeria as a developing…

Masked priming effects for prefixed words sharing a bound stem (e.g., submit-permit) are compared with priming effects for semantically transparent prefixed words (e.g., fold-unfold). In three experiments, priming effects were obtained for both types with no significant difference between them. Results suggests semantic transparency is not…

Examines the terminology used for "physical disability" in proto-Bantu and contemporary Bantu languages. Support for differing regional and historical meanings is developed, with the most ancient meaning linking physical disability to "becoming heavy" and contemporary Bantu emphasizing categorization in both human and non-human…

Investigates the position of adverbial clauses in a subset consisting of 42 texts drawn from 6 text types, 3 from written English and 3 from spoken English. The article identifies factors influencing the position choice for various types of adverbial clauses. Findings indicate that clause length is not a significant positional factor. (nine…

Examines the acquisition of Japanese numeral classifiers in Japanese preschool children, with a primary emphasis on developing comprehension ability. Argues that different techniques and stimulus contrast sets reveal a much greater sensitivity to semantic relations in young children than was previously considered possible. (Author/VWL)

Studied bilingual knowledge maps (BiK-maps) as tools for learning German-English word pairs. Results for 72 undergraduates indicate that BiK-map learners outperformed list learners on all dependent measures. Semantic emphasis negatively affected performance over time. (SLD)

Two experiments examined children's semantic representations and semantic naming errors. Results suggested that functional and physical properties are core aspects of object representations in the semantic lexicon and that the degree of semantic knowledge makes words more or less vulnerable to retrieval failure. Discussion focuses on the dynamic…

Focuses on the semantic-conceptual structure that contains the ideas and information a speaker wishes to convey to a listener. Reviews the status of temporal cycles using appropriate design and statistical procedures. Explores the correlates and dynamics of temporal cycles in spontaneous spoken discourse. (Author/VWL)

Presents a semantic analysis of English progressive as an intentional operator within the framework of modal semantics. The treatment allows a combination of the central idea that the progressive's meaning has a major modal component with insights of other theories. Using a more sophisticated background theory of modality allows natural solutions…

Studies the syntax, semantics, and pragmatics of the referential "renjia" (people-home) in mandarin Chinese, especially the one that allows a specific reference reading. A step-by-step comparison between the usage of the specific referential people-home and that of the Mandarin Chinese bare reflexive "ziji" (self) is provided. Shows why…

Individualized exercises are a promising feature in promoting modern e-learning. The focus of this article is on the QuizPACK system, which is able to generate parameterized exercises for the C language and automatically evaluate the correctness of student answers. We introduce QuizPACK and present the results of its comprehensive classroom…

There is currently debate among professionals in the area of mental retardation/developmental disabilities regarding the use of, and a possible replacement for, the term mental retardation. Using the semantic differential technique, 284 participants drawn from various Midwestern populations completed assessments of several terms used to describe…