Both the technical history of training devices and the issues which currently confront their design and use are discussed by a group of distinguished scientists and engineers. A blend of human factors and engineering paper reflects the twin thrusts that make up the educational tools that are training device systems. (Author)

Training devices should be designed to provide efficient learning conditions, especially guided practice and prompt feedback. These devices can be more useful than their operational equipment counterparts because they facilitate the focusing of learner attention on particular components of a total operation, they make operations visible for study,…

How games were used in colonial America for both learning and amusement. (HB)

A consideration of simulation/gaming research, problems, theoretical criticism, and markets, with a view to predicting future developments. (LS)

A game which deals with the design of instructional games. The player tries to predict the average attitude of the group toward instructional simulation games. The game allows the generation and verification of a number of hypotheses. (Author/LS)

DETECT is a nonparametric, conditional covariance-based procedure to identify dimensional structure and the degree of multidimensionality of test data. The ability composite or conditional score used to estimate conditional covariance plays a significant role in the performance of DETECT. The number correct score of all items in the test (T) and…

Three common methods for equating parameter estimates from binary item response theory models are extended to the generalized grading unfolding model (GGUM). The GGUM is an item response model in which single-peaked, nonmonotonic expected value functions are implemented for polytomous responses. GGUM parameter estimates are equated using extended…

This study investigated statistical properties of the K-index (Holland, 1996) that can be used to detect copying behavior on tests. A simulation study was conducted to investigate the applicability of the K-index for small, medium, and large datasets. In addition, the Type I error rate and the detection rate of this index were compared with the…

This study explored the dangers of item theft in terms of impact on test quality and fairness. Simulations were used to explore the impact of item theft on test taker scores. In the simulation, a simulated, organized group of thieves took the test, memorized the items received, and distributed the items to future test takers. Impact was explored…

The homogeneity test provided by L. Hedges (1982) in meta-analysis has been widely used, mainly to test if the effect sizes share the same variance. Ignoring the intercorrelations among effect sizes affects the Type I error rate. The main purpose of this research was to study the impact of pooling effect sizes on the homogeneity test in effect…

When categorical responses were simulated from a Multidimensional Many-FACETS Rasch Compensatory Model (MMFRCM), the effects of ability, task difficulty, and step difficulty estimates with the unidimensional Many-FACETS Rasch Model (MFRM; Linacre, 1999) were examined in terms of three error indexes, average absolute difference (AAD), bias, and…

The Delphi method is a means of structuring group communication process so that a group of experts can gather information or forecast future problems effectively. A primary objective of a Delphi study is to obtain consensual and consistent opinions from a group of experts in two or more successive rounds on a given research subject. Consensus and…

The purpose of this study was to assess the dimensionality of attitudinal data arising from unfolding models for discrete data and to compute rough estimates of item and individual parameters for use as starting values in other estimation parameters. One- and two-dimensional simulated test data were analyzed in this study. Results of limited…