Using computer simulation data, the effect of a single global outlier in two-group classification analysis was explored in terms of the outcome variables of change in classification results (PCHNG), change in misclassification rate (MISDIF), and change in precision of misclassification rate estimation. The precision of misclassification rate…

This paper introduces a hardware and software independent model for producing educational computer simulation environments. The model, which is based on the results of 32 studies of educational computer simulations program production, implies that educational computer simulation environments are specified, constructed, tested, implemented, and…

The capability of the DIMTEST statistical test to assess essential dimensionality of the model underlying item responses of real tests as opposed to simulated tests was investigated. A variety of real test data from difference sources was used to assess essential dimensionality. Based on DIMTEST results, some test data are assessed as fitting an…

An experiment compared solving of operational and diagnostic problems after different instruction about a fictitious device. Solution of both kinds of problems was facilitated by instruction (1) that focused on functional relations among components of the device or (2) that focused on states of the individual components. For operational problems,…

This paper empirically and systematically assessed the performance of bootstrap resampling procedure as it was applied to a regression model. Parameter estimates from Monte Carlo experiments (repeated sampling from population) and bootstrap experiments (repeated resampling from one original bootstrap sample) were generated and compared. Sample…

A statistical procedure is presented that is designed to test for unidirectional test bias existing simultaneously in several items of an ability test, based on the assumption that test bias is incipient within the two groups' ability differences. The proposed procedure--Simultaneous Item Bias (SIB)--is based on a multidimensional item response…

Item bias has been a major concern for test developers during recent years. The Mantel-Haenszel statistic has been among the preferred methods for identifying biased items. The statistic's performance in identifying uniform bias in simulated data modeled by producing various levels of difference in the (item difficulty) b-parameter for reference…

Large sample standard errors for the Tucker method of linear equating under the common item nonrandom groups design are derived under normality assumptions as well as under less restrictive assumptions. Standard errors of Tucker equating are estimated using the bootstrap method described by Efron. The results from different methods are compared…

An investigation was conducted of the eligibility and classification decisions of 223 educational professionals who participated in a special education simulation exercise. Data from their decisions were characterized by much variability and inaccuracy. Fifty-one percent of the Ss declared a student with assessment data in the normal range to be…

Described are simulations that can be used to illustrate evolution by natural selection. Suggestions for simulating phenomena such as adaptive radiation, color match to background and vision of predators are offered. (BR)

When students are passive and disinterested, teachers find that role playing fosters active participation and increased interest in learning. The article outlines procedures for implementing both structured and semi-structured kinds of role play activity for use in social studies classrooms. (Author/JR)

Proposes an enhanced approach to teaching topics in ecology--an approach that uses mathematical models and A Programming Language (APL) to produce short, quickly comprehensible computer "programs" that can be run to allow students to study the behavior of a particular model. (Author/IRT)

Explores non-scripted role playing, dialogue role playing, sociodrama, and skits as variations of simulation techniques. Provides step-by-step guidelines for conducting such sessions. Successful Meetings, Bill Communications, Inc., 1422 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19102. Subscription Rates: yearly (US, Canada, Mexico) $14.00; elsewhere,…

Adolescent girls simulated the responses of an elderly woman on a personality questionnaire. Later, a group of them received empathy training through getting feedback information on the actual answers of elderly women on the questionnaire. Consequently, the perceptions of the trained group improved compared to the control group. (Author/SE)