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)

Presents a formal method for making important one-shot decisions based on an elimination process which uses sequentially acquired information and is based on a conditional belief structure. The routine updating of the structure as information accumulates is based on Dempster's rule of combination. (15 references) (EAM)

Describes habituation and addiction, both psychological and physiological, using simple equations of mathematical model of ideodynamics, optimized to smoking data from Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) program. With only four constant parameters, it was possible to calculate accurate time trends for recidivism to smoking among…

Starting from perfectly discriminating nonmonotone dichotomous items, a class of probabilistic models with or without response errors and with or without intrinsically unscalable respondents is described. Involving simply restricted latent class analysis, the models are free of problems associated with the estimation and identifiability of…

Describes several activities of the Data and Chance program involving third and fourth graders. Students use real-life situations to investigate probability. (MKR)

A new theory of subjective probability is presented. According to this theory, different descriptions of the same event can give rise to different judgments. Experimental evidence supporting this theory is summarized, demonstrating that the theory provides a unified treatment of a wide range of empirical findings. (SLD)