This article discusses the circumstances under which unequal sample size in the two-group study can arise and result in an attenuated point-biserial correlation. Formulas are provided for correcting the coefficient either directly or through the mediation of relevant statistics found in studies where the coefficient itself is not reported.…

A mathematical model for predicting the size of the dental school applicant pool using the number of Dental Admission Test participants is presented. (MSE)

This paper focuses on clustering a World Wide Web site (i.e., the 1998 World Cup Soccer site) into groups of documents that are predictive of future user accesses. Two approaches were developed and tested. The first approach uses semantic information inherent in the documents to facilitate the clustering process. User access history is then used…

Presents transcripts of freshmen engineering majors solving elementary physics problems to examine some limitations of formula-centered approaches to problem solving. Although students use formulas successfully, the qualitative conception of the underlying physical situation is weak. Results from written tests indicate that this phenomenon may be…

Procedures are described for studying the reliability of decisions based on specific passing scores with tests made up of discrete items and designed to measure continuous rather than categorical traits. These procedures are based on the estimation of the joint distribution of true scores and observed scores. (CTM)

Since many texts use an incorrect argument in obtaining the instantaneous velocity of a rotating body, a correct and concise derivation of this quantity for a rather general case is given. (Author/SK)

Describes a fast algorithm for comparing the lists of terms representing documents in automatic classification experiments. Complexity and running time for the algorithm are compared to other procedures, and a short algol-like routine is presented in the appendix. Eight references are included. (Author/BK)

Looking back on enrollment trends in higher education in Britain since 1800, this study examines the trend toward expansion and the philosophy behind such expansion. A statistical model is developed for enrollment trends, and recent literature on enrollment is examined in light of the model presented. (MSE)

When examining complex waveforms by examining oscillograms from simple resonant circuits, interpretation problems occur. These problematic oscillograms are explainable by recognizing that the typical resonant filters pass significant amounts of several harmonics adjacent to the one intended. Adjacent harmonics effects are computed; resulting…

The formula used by the telephone company to determine long distance charges is presented and several sample problems are included. (MP)

Some simple undergraduate laboratory experiments are described, which verify the energy-momentum relationship of special relativity. These experiments have been designed either to be used as classroom demonstrations or to be carried out by second-year students. (Author/JN)

The California State University, Fresno financial aid office developed an income matrix to determine whether a dependent student would be eligible for a maximum Basic Grant award. The matrix can be derived in a few hours, used throughout the academic year, and can reduce man-hours needed to re-compute indexes. (JMD)

This is a not-so-serious discussion of accidental patterns involving chance patterns between mathematics and natural laws and accidental patterns involving the numbers "pi" and "e." (Author/SA)

Explores the evaluation of image and multimedia information-retrieval systems, particularly the effectiveness of several shape measures for content-based retrieval of similar images. Shape feature measures, or vectors, are computed automatically and can either be used for retrieval or stored in the database for future queries. (57 references)…

Investigates how animation is used to improve students' comprehension of the limit concept in an experimental course in which the main topics are approximation and interpolation by Taylor polynomials. Uses Mathematica software to generate the dynamic graphics, visualize the process of convergence, and give meaning to the definitions. Analyzes…