A way to use tongue depressors in a model of multiplication is presented. The original intent was to use the sticks to teach about fractions, but "mistakes" in student responses led to new ideas. It is felt that teachers should use the model in teaching multiplication. (MP)

The applicability of catastrophe theory to research in higher education is considered. The controversy surrounding the use of catastrophe theory as a tool for research in the behavioral and social sciences is reviewed, and several problems which appear in the literature are presented in a theoretical framework. (Author/MLW)

Describes a project for students to collect and fit data to a theoretical mathematical model that describes the rate of isothermal seed germination, including activation energy for substrate and produce and the autocatalytic reaction, and changes in enthalpy, entropy, and the Gibb's free energy. (Author/SK)

The mathematics of an educational game commonly known as "Frogs" is analyzed to see different mathematical concepts imbedded in it. (MP)

Issues related to the preceding research report (TM 504 895) are discussed: (1) necessary assumptions for assessing reciprocal causal effects; (2) validity of Felson and Bohrnstedt's findings; and (3) reconciliation of this report and the preceding experimental results. (Author/GDC)

A general approach to analysis of covariance structures is considered, in which the variances and covariances or correlations of the observed variables are directly expressed in terms of the parameters of interest. The statistical problems of identification, estimation and testing of such covariance or correlation structures are discussed.…

Some activities designed around the Monte Carlo method of solving probability problems are described. The instructional applications of this method involve physical models or simple BASIC computer programs. (MP)

Explains some observed library circulation frequency distributions through use of a simple stochastic model for the borrowing of books from a library collection. Parameters of the model are described and the model is applied to circulation data from three academic libraries. (Author/SW)

Three models to predict future world records for footraces are reviewed. The records for the mile run are presented with time and year given in linear, hyperbolic, and experiential relationships. (MP)

Decision-making processes were investigated in a laboratory analogue of clinical diagnosis and through computer simulations of decision making. The data indicated that nonprobabilistic theories can provide plausible and complete accounts of decision behavior and can improve quantitative accuracy of predictions that are based on traditional…

Catastrophe theory, a mathematical technique for studying discontinuous processes such as sudden and dramatic changes in the behavior of a system as a consequence of small changes in controlling factors, is discussed. The "cusp catastrophe" is used to create a three-dimensional model. (Author/MLW)

The use of saltine crackers to illustrate whole numbers, decimal fractions, common fractions, percents, money, and other mathematical concepts is reviewed. (MP)

Presents a mathematical model that will help students explore concepts related to population growth such as doubling time, replacement level and zero population growth. (Auth/WB)

A description is given of a course developed (at Oklahoma State University) to provide practical skills for mathematics majors entering industry instead of academia. (MK)

Macready and Dayton introduced two probabilistic models for mastery assessment based on an idealistic all-or-none conception of mastery. Alternatively, an application of latent trait theory to mastery testing is proposed (a three parameter logistic model) as a more plausible model for test theory. (Author/CTM)