Mathematical models and their construction are discussed. Successful mathematical model building is suggested as requiring a combination of deductive thinking and an understanding of the external world. (MP)

A method is discussed for justifying to students the fact that the product of two negative integers is positive. (DT)

Examines the comparative efficiency of higher education institutions in the United Kingdom, responding to governmental concerns for accountability, value for money, and cost control. Tests concepts of cost and outcome efficiency, using data- development analysis, to gain further insights into universities' operations. Applying this methodology to…

Problems found in the application of structural equation modeling to the theory of reasoned action are explored, and an alternative model specification is proposed that improves the fit of the data while leaving intact the structural part of the model being tested. Problems and the proposed alternative are illustrated. (SLD)

Methods by which structural models correct for the effects of attenuation due to measurement error are reviewed, and implications of such disattenuation for interpreting the results of structural equation models are considered. Recommendations are made for improving the practice of disattenuation, and caution is urged in drawing inferences based…

Presents examples of direct modeling and invented strategies of students for problem solving. Teachers are encouraged to capitalize on children's abilities to use these invented strategies and in time guide the student toward a standard, more efficient strategy. (AIM)

A theoretical and philosophical revision of the concept of fit in structural equation modeling and its relation to a confirmation bias is developed. The neutral character of fit indexes regarding this issue is argued, concluding that protection against confirmation bias relies on model modification strategy and scientist behavior. (SLD)

Samples of 356 management students and 102 managerial employees were used to assess the hierarchical structure of the Negative Affectivity scale of J. Stokes and I. Levin (1990). Data suggest that a higher-order model is the most satisfactory representation of the underlying structure of the scale. (SLD)

Illustrates how nonendowment cash flows (tuition, grants, and gifts) affect the portfolio allocation decisions for the endowment and are "efficient" in terms of the total wealth of the institution. A mathematical appendix displays the reasoning behind the model. (Contains 12 references and 4 tables.) (Author/MLF)

A study of the effect of the number of item response categories on chi-square statistics for confirmatory factor analysis indicates that the chi-square statistic for evaluating a single-factor model is most inflated for two-category responses and becomes less inflated as the number of categories increases. (SLD)

Discusses the concept of three-dimensional perspective. Presents some assessment tasks to help develop perspective and describes student responses. (Author/NB)

Presents a variety of activities in which 4th grade students investigate prisms and pyramids by building models from folded paper and drinking straws. (Author/NB)

Discusses a research tool that has the potential to identify a student's development in mathematical modeling, gauge the effectiveness of adopted teaching styles, and enhance learning. Reports on pilot applications of a questionnaire at two universities in the UK. Discusses the construction and testing of the research instrument and considers…

Investigates issues of mathematics instruction of problems in blocks. Discusses the best way to construct mathematical problems with connections to one another as parts of a coherent whole and how to reflect on the types of connections that can arise between them. (Author/KHR)

An approach is presented to simultaneously optimize decision rules for combinations of elementary decisions through a framework derived from Bayesian decision theory. The developed linear utility model for selection-mastery decisions was applied to a sample of 43 first year medical students to illustrate the procedure. (SLD)