Student access to programmable calculators and computer terminals, coupled with a familiarity with baseball, provides opportunities to enhance their understanding of the binomial distribution and other aspects of analysis. (MP)

Power analysis is in essence a technique for estimating the probability of obtaining a specific minimum observed effect size. Power analysis techniques are applied to research planning problems in test reliability studies. A table for use in research planning and hypothesis testing is presented. (Author)

Data evolving from processes which are developmental or hierarchical in nature are often analyzed by using latent class or latent structure models. A procedure for estimating such models when the model is not "identifiable" is presented. (JKS)

When comparing examinees to a control group or person, the examiner usually does not know the probability of correct classification based on the number of items used and the number of people tested. Using ranking and selection techniques, a framework is described for deriving a lower bound on this probability. (Author/JKS)

A number game, used with sixth- and seventh-grade students, involving place value is described and discussed. (MK)

The distribution theory underlying corrections for guessing is analyzed, and the probability distributions of the random variables are derived. The correction in grade, based on random guessing of unknown answers, is compared with corrections based on educated guessing. (Author/MH)

Examines the main mathematical approaches to information retrieval, including both algebraic and probabilistic models, and describes difficulties which impede formalization of information retrieval processes. A number of developments are covered where new theoretical understandings have directly led to improved retrieval techniques and operations.…

The evolution of a computer program that plays a game involving dice is described. The overall strategy was improved by introducing skill levels. (MP)

Recent advances in item analysis have provided greater capabilities for the analysis of tests, but have also significantly increased the gap between the theory and practice of item analysis. This paper traces the lines of development in item analysis under latent trait theory. (MV)

Proposes a mathematical model using the probability formalism to explain why a geometrical law is observed in distributions related to library circulation data. Highlights include techniques based on convolution theory; Lotka's law; and Bradford's law. (Author/LRW)

Poses a probability problem with counterintuitive results which ultimately leads to a lesson in how mathematicians work and think. (KHR)

Presents student responses to the "The Darts, Anyone?" problem that appeared in the May, 1999 issue of this journal. The problem concerned finding possible scores on dart rings. (KHR)

Describes the generation of all the tables required for school-level study of statistics using Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet package. Highlights cumulative binomial probabilities, cumulative Poisson probabilities, normal distribution, t-distribution, chi-squared distribution, F-distribution, random numbers, and accuracy. (JRH)

Discusses how dice games pose fairness issues that appeal to students and examines a structure for three games involving two dice in a way that leads directly to the theoretical probabilities for all possible outcomes. (YDS)