Activity in which students act out process of protein synthesis is described. An overview of the events and a demonstration of some simple errors that may occur in the process are included. The simulation has been designed so that each student in a class has at least 1 specific role to play and requires from 20 to 40 students. (KR)

A probabilistic parallelogram model (the PARELLA model) is presented for the measurement of latent traits by proximity items. This unidimensional model assumes that the responses of persons to items result from proximity relations. The model is illustrated in an analysis of three empirical datasets from previous studies. (SLD)

Describes exercises that can uncover the assumptions underlying educational practice: (1) scenario analysis; (2) critical debate; (3) simulations of crisis decisions; (4) identifying heroes and villains; and (5) analysis of critical incidents. (SK)

Monte Carlo methods were used to evaluate the degree to which canonical function and structure coefficients may be differentially sensitive to sampling error. For each of 64 research situations, 1,000 random samples were drawn. Both sets of coefficients were roughly equally influenced; some exceptions are noted. (SLD)

The implications of serially correlated effects on the results of generalizability analyses are discussed. Simulated data are provided that demonstrate the biases that serially correlated effects introduce into the results. Serial correlation in measurement effects can have a marked influence on the impression of the dependability of measurement…

Two joint maximum likelihood estimation methods (LOGIST 2B and LOGIST 5) and two marginal maximum likelihood estimation methods (BILOG and ForScore) were contrasted by measuring the difference between a simulation model and a model obtained by applying an estimation method to simulation data. Marginal estimation was generally superior. (SLD)

A modified "F" test is derived that includes a correction for nonindependence of between-groups and within-groups sample values in analysis of variance (ANOVA) designs. Computer simulations based on normal and nonnormal distributions illustrate the usefulness of the approach, which was more powerful than conventional within-subjects…

Developed computer-based rehabilitation caseload management simulation and administered simulation to 18 rehabilitation students and 18 rehabilitation counselors. Performance was evaluated using six caseload management performance indicators. Performance indicators, derived from computer simulation, were found to be effective in differentiating…

Two studies evaluated the use of either in vivo training or simulation prior to in vivo, as methods for training 8 students (ages 10-19) with moderate disabilities to cross streets and to use public pay telephones. Results suggested that prior simulation training did not appear to either facilitate or inhibit later in vivo instruction. (DB)

Discusses experimental work with computer-simulated microworlds as a means for overcoming the tension between laboratory research and field research in psychology. Topics addressed include characteristics of microworlds; examples of microworlds; and three approaches to research with microworlds, including the individual differences approach, case…

Presents results of simulations that were conducted to test the effects of errors in estimation of individual term probabilities on the performance of a probabilistic information retrieval (PIR) system. Assigning index terms to documents is described; an information retrieval system called Helpnet is explained; and relevance, ranking, and…

Describes the International Business Negotiation Simulations (IBNS), a series of workshops which use a computer-managed teleconferencing-based simulation designed to teach business executives how to negotiate successfully in a cross-cultural environment. Team structures and roles are described, the telecommunications interface is explained, and…

A combination of computer, videodisk, and voice-recognition technology lets Georgetown University medical students ask questions of an electronic "patient" who appears on a television monitor and appears to respond. Students can order laboratory tests and study patient behavior inside and outside the hospital. Simulations use actors or…

Comparisons of the Wilcoxon test, Friedman test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) on ranks in a computer simulation show that the Friedman test performs like the sign test whereas the ANOVA performs like the Wilcoxon test. Classification of these tests in introductory statistics textbooks should be revised. (SLD)

The effect of reducing the number of score groups in the matching criterion of the Mantel-Haenszel procedure when screening for differential item functioning was investigated with a simulated data set. Results suggest that more than modest reductions cannot be recommended when ability distributions of reference and focal groups differ. (SLD)