Conditional inference and advanced mathematical study

Many mathematicians and curriculum bodies have argued in favour of the theory of formal discipline: that studying advanced mathematics develops one’s ability to reason logically. In this paper we explore this view by directly comparing the inferences drawn from abstract conditional statements by advanced mathematics students and well-educated arts students. The mathematics students in the study were found to endorse fewer invalid conditional inferences than the arts students, but they did not endorse significantly more valid inferences. We establish that both groups tended to endorse more inferences which led to negated conclusions than inferences which led to affirmative conclusions (a phenomenon known as the negative conclusion effect). In contrast, however, we demonstrate that, unlike the arts students, the mathematics students did not exhibit the affirmative premise effect: the tendency to endorse more inferences with affirmative premises than with negated premises. We speculate that this latter result may be due to an increased ability for successful mathematics students to be able to ‘see through’ opaque representations. Overall, our data are consistent with a version of the formal discipline view. However, there are important caveats; in particular, we demonstrate that there is no simplistic relationship between the study of advanced mathematics and conditional inference behaviour.

Silicon Valley versus Silicon Glen: the impact of computers upon teaching and learning: a comparative study

Drawing on data from a major survey on the impact of information technology initiatives on Scottish schools, we assess the extent to which the outcomes resemble those that have already been reported by Larry Cuban in his study of schools in Silicon Valley. We find a large measure of agreement. Scottish teachers and school students mostly have access to computers in their homes and classrooms. The home computers appear to be frequently used. The classroom computers, however, are encountered by students only seldom and when students do use computers in the classroom the activity is often peripheral to the learning process, such as word processing of essays. We discuss some possible explanations for this state of affairs and suggest some implications for policy-making.     

Melding ‘High Tech’ and ‘High Touch’: a Communications Curriculum for the New Information Society

Abstract

The article looks at the organization and work of Computer Pals Across the World, and the views on its future by its American President and Australian National Director. It looks briefly at some projects and at some future projects all of which will be of interest to educational technologists. Further information can be obtained from the CPAW Virtual Secretariat ‐ dboehm@onr.com on the Internet

Abstract français: Le sujet de cet article est 1'organisation et la fonction de ‘Computer Pals Across the World’ et il présent les idées de son President Americain et son Directeur National Australian. Il considère en resumé quelques projets d'avenir qui seront très intréssants pour les technologistes éducatives. On peut obtenir d'autres renseignements du CPAW Virtual Secretariat ‐ sur l'Internet     

Physiological variables and performance markers of serving soldiers from two “elite” units of the British Army

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare selected physiological variables and performance markers of soldiers from two “elite” units of the British Army. Ten soldiers from each of the two units were recruited for this study (n = 20). All participants completed three tests while carrying a 20 kg backpack load: (1) a maximal treadmill test using the Bruce protocol; (2) a 2 mile backpack run test specific to Unit A on a consistently flat tarmac road; and (3) a 29 km time-trial over hilly terrain typical of a mountainous area used by Unit B for performance assessment. Heart rate, maximal blood lactate concentration and performance (run time) were assessed during all three tests, with peak oxygen uptake also being measured during the maximal treadmill test. Measurements of anthropometry, isokinetic strength and mental toughness (MT48) were also recorded. There were no significant differences in terms of performance markers between the units (P > 0.05). Performance on the maximal treadmill test correlated with performance on the 2 mile backpack run test (r = ?0.57) and 29 km time-trial (r = ?0.66). Performance on the 2 mile backpack run test in turn correlated with 29 km time-trial performance (r = ?0.77), accounting for 59% of the variance. In conclusion, the maximal treadmill test and the 2 mile backpack run test are useful indicators of performance on the arduous hill march and could be employed in the screening and selection of potential recruits.     

Relationship of Organ Weight and Swimming Performance in the Albino Rat

Abstract

The relationship between organ weight and swimming capacity was determined in 42 male albino rats. Upon completion of a 4-week training program, the animals were forced to swim to exhaustion with 2 percent of the body weight attached. They were sacrificed and specific gravity and organ weights determined. The results warrant the following conclusions: A significant (p < .05) but low correlation exists between the relative weight of the spleen and lungs with swimming performance. The correlation of relative heart weight and swimming performance approached statistical significance (p < .06). Attaching a weight proportional to the body weight to increase the energy cost of swimming penalizes the heavier animals. Correcting for the inverse relationship between body weight and swim time does not alter appreciably the relationships between organ weights and swim time.