Argues for more adequate preparation of future engineers and researchers in the effective use of statistical methods in the areas of product development and improvement as well as in scientific research. Supports the view that educators must respond to the needs of industry. (DDR)

Outlines a course at the University of Glamorgan in the United Kingdom in which a computer algebra system (CAS) teaches mathematical modeling. The format is based on continual assessment of group and individual work stating the problem, a feature list, and formulation of the models. No additional mathematical word processing package is necessary.…

The usefulness of the confirmatory factor analysis model of D. Sorbom (1974) to estimate invariant difficulty and discrimination item parameters on a personality scale was supported in a study using responses of 834 undergraduates to the Social Worry Scale of the Anxious Thoughts Inventory (A. Wells, 1994). (SLD)

Presents student solutions to real-world problems that allow students to develop and defend their mathematical models of the situations. Elicits proofs and offers recommendations for the potential of real-world problems as contexts for proof. (KHR)

Considers educational aspects of the development of ratio and proportion focusing on the arithmetization undergone by these concepts in light of the relationship between mathematics and music. Investigates the instructional aspects of compounding ratios. Points out features of the differences between identity and proportion which can be…

Focuses on the concept of compound functions and an application of this concept using the tax rate schedules from 1999. Presents an activity designed to help students learn how much income goes to pay federal income tax. (KHR)

Proposes a word problem concerning placing students around triangular tables. Students must determine how to place the touching tables so that everyone can be seated. (KHR)

Guides students through the process of designing a window. Allows them to use technology and a variety of representations while maximizing and minimizing the dimensions based on cost and light. Includes activity sheets. (Author/NB)

Analyzes a simple boom structure and assesses its reliability using elementary engineering mechanics. Demonstrates the power and utility of Monte-Carlo simulation by showing that such a simulation can be implemented more readily with results that compare favorably to the theoretical calculations. (Author/MM)

To demonstrate that some methods used to assess item fit can be applied to assess person fit and vice versa, performance of a chi-squared item-fit statistic was compared with that of a likelihood-based person-fit statistic for examinees and items under Monte Carlo conditions. (SLD)

A logistic regression model for characterizing differential item functioning (DIF) between two groups is presented. A distinction is drawn between uniform and nonuniform DIF in terms of model parameters. A statistic for testing the hypotheses of no DIF is developed, and simulation studies compare it with the Mantel-Haenszel procedure. (Author/TJH)

Procedures based on latent trait models and the Rasch model are described for computation and asymptotic statistical inference for two decision consistency indexes often used in mastery or competence testing. Simulations were conducted for typical mastery testing situations to illustrate the procedures. (SLD)

A bivariate generalization of the genotype-environment covariation (GEC) is presented. A multivariate procedure for detecting univariate and bivariate GEC is also described and illustrated via a study of 136 adopted and 125 non-adopted 4-year-old children. (SLD)

Single sample approximations are considered for the cross-validation coefficient in the analysis of covariance structures. Results of a random sampling experiment--using data from ability tests administered to high school students (sample sizes 100, 400, and 800)--illustrate the coefficient and adjustment for predictive validity. (SLD)

A method for detecting instructional sensitivity (item bias) in test items is proposed. This method extends item response theory by allowing for item-specific variation in measurement relations across students' varying instructional backgrounds. Item bias detection is a by-product. Traditional and new methods are compared. (SLD)