The background of 197 university students from four introductory computer science classes at the State University of New York at Buffalo was investigated to determine factors contributing to academic success or failure in computer science. A background questionnaire, a test of computer science concepts (reading a simple program, symbol…

Using a Monte Carlo approach, comparison was made between traditional procedures and a multiple linear regression approach to test for differences between values of r sub 1 and r sub 2 when sample data were dependent and independent. For independent sample data, results from a z-test were compared to results from using multiple linear regression.…

This study examines the relative effectiveness of two means of analyzing the pre-test/post-test control group experimental design. Samples were randomly drawn from a standardized normal population and assigned to one of the four cells of the design. A set of experimental differences were induced in the post-test experimental cell. Each case was…

Two experiments investigated relationships between state anxiety, memory processes, and children's performance on problem-solving tasks. Participants were second and sixth graders in a private elementary school in Redlands, California. In both experiments, subjects responded to three training and eight test problems presented in the introtact…

Presents a procedure for estimating the probability of true hypothesis behavior, including a validity test for the resulting estimate. The procedure is applied to data taken from three research reports, and reveals substantial differences between age and treatment groups. Also discusses implications of the procedure for correctly interpreting…

Preparation of this paper facilitated by Grant GS-1741 from the Division of Social Sciences of the National Science Foundation.

Three separate papers are included in this report. The first describes a two-stage procedure for choosing from among several instructional programs the one which maximizes the probability of passing the test. The second gives the exact sample sizes required to determine whether a squared multiple correlation coefficient is above or below a known…

Reading is a process of forming and evaluating hypotheses to account for the data in a text. Because of its complexity, the task of reading requires strategies for controlling the proliferation of hypotheses. Four of these strategies are (1) jumping to conclusions, (2) maintaining inertia (refusing to abandon a hypothesis in spite of contradictory…

Internal validity is described as a matter of how well a particular instance of data collection or generation can be described and explained. It is a property of the procedures used in the collection or generation of data. The notion of internal validity is examined in order to establish a method of quantitatively estimating it. A coefficient of…

The influence of expectations and hypothesis testing on subjects' use of particular types of evidence to estimate covariations was investigated. Results of the first study indicated that all subjects relied most on positive confirming evidence and did not over-utilize evidence that was consistent with expectations. Results of the second study…

SELF-REPORTS OF INTERACTION AMONG 100 GRADUATE STUDENTS IN TWO SECTIONS OF A FIVE-WEEK SUMMER SESSION COURSE IN ELEMENTARY STATISTICS WERE ANALYZED IN AN ATTEMPT TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIAL ASSOCIATION AMONG HIGHLY SPECIALIZED PERSONS. SUMMARIES WERE COMPILED FOR 1203 INSTANCES OF INTERACTION--408 OF MUTUAL STUDY-HELP, 388 OF HELP GIVEN TO…

This paper presents two extensions of the full-rank multivariate linear model that are particularly useful in multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and repeated measurements designs. After a review of the basic full-rank model, an extension is described which allows restrictions of a more general nature. This model is useful in the…

The overjustification hypothesis predicts decreased intrinsic motivation when persons are paid to perform an interesting task. The factors of reward experience, socioeconomic status (SES), and sex are examined while testing conflicting predictions of the hypothesis and reinforcement theory. Children from grade 1 at two public elementary schools…

Replicating the work of others who hypothesized that status inconsistancy increases political liberalism, this study involved a random sample of rural Michigan population. Utilizing multiple regression analysis, respondents were scored on the variables of occupation, income, education, religion, and political party preference. Hypotheses tested…