The well-known problem of cumulating error probabilities is reconsidered from a general epistemological perspective, namely, the concepts of severity and of fairness of tests. It is shown that not only Type 1 but also Type 2 errors can cumulate. A new adjustment strategy is proposed and applied. (Author/JAZ)

Encourages the use of the microcomputer to teach probability theory and concepts. Presents an instructional sequence and provides 10 activities, three of which have short programs listed. (JM)

Presents four probability problems, their simulations, and analyses. The first illustrates a discrete situation for which it is possible to list the sample space. The second and third are continuous--the number of possible outcomes is infinite. The last is discrete with a surprising continuous extension question which leads to l/e. (JN)

Concepts of probability held by pupils ages 11-16 were ascertained, in conjunction with a unit focusing on possible biases toward the number 6. (MNS)

Activities involving spinners and dice are presented. Making the materials is noted, followed by activities on counting, computation, probability, fractions, and other ideas. (MNS)

The game of craps is analyzed in terms of mathematical expectation. Betting examples are presented and discussed, and a computer simulation program in BASIC is included. (MNS)

Presents an application of the binomial distribution in which the distribution is used to detect differences between the sensory properties of food products. Included is a BASIC computer program listing used to generate triangle and duo-trio test results. (JN)

Discusses need for introducing material to educate students about the relationship of philosophy to physics and science in general, particularly in light of quantum mechanics. Suggesting the dual nature of electrons as a starting point and citing several supplemental texts, a demonstration is described to be used to introduce the topic. (JM)

Included in this section are brief articles on making up a story to explain a graph, the inverse of a function of a single variable, and exotic horse-race wagering and combinatorics. (MNS)

Queuing theory is explored by considering a simple example and by simulation with a computer. Sample BASIC computer programs are included. (DT)

This paper focuses on how teachers guide construction of knowledge in classrooms. We suggest that guidance hinges on the kind of dialogue teachers choose to engage students in. We propose several classroom dialogue types relevant for the construction of knowledge and suggest that critical dialogue is particularly effective for knowledge…

A series of 13 survey questions based on a 50-50 spinner is used to explore school students' understanding of statistical variation in a chance setting. Five questions set the context by assessing understanding of theoretical expectation and representation of repeated trials in a stacked dot (line) plot. Four questions provide opportunity to…

One challenge associated with computerized adaptive testing (CAT) is the maintenance of test and item security while allowing for daily testing. An alternative to continually creating new pools containing an independent set of items would be to consider each CAT pool as a sample of items from a larger collection (referred to as a VAT) rather than…

This book provides a resource for mathematics teachers to understanding the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) standards and implementing these standards in their teaching. Five standards are overviewed: (1) number and operation; (2) algebra; (3) geometry; (4) measurement; and (5) data analysis and probability. Lesson plans are…

This book provides a resource for mathematics teachers to understanding the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) standards and implementing these standards in their teaching. Five standards are overviewed: (1) number and operation; (2) algebra; (3) geometry; (4) measurement; and (5) data analysis and probability. Lesson plans are…