103 research outputs found
An Exploratory Comparison of a Traditional and an Adaptive Instructional Approach for College Algebra
This research effort compared student learning gains and attitudinal changes through the implementation of two varying instructional approaches on the topic of functions in College Algebra. Attitudinal changes were measured based on the Attitude Towards Mathematics Inventory (ATMI). The ATMI also provided four sub-scales scores for self-confidence, value of learning, enjoyment, and motivation. Furthermore, this research explored and compared relationships between students\u27 level of mastery and their actual level of learning. This study implemented a quasi-experimental research design using a sample that consisted of 56 College Algebra students in a public, state college in Florida. The sample was enrolled in one of two College Algebra sections, in which one section followed a self-adaptive instructional approach using ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Space) and the other section followed a traditional approach using MyMathLab. Learning gains in each class were measured as the difference between the pre-test and post-test scores on the topic of functions in College Algebra. Attitude changes in each class were measured as the difference between the holistic scores on the ATMI, as well as each of the four sub-scale scores, which was administered once in the beginning of the semester and again after the unit of functions, approximately eight weeks into the course. Utilizing an independent t-test, results indicated that there was not a significant difference in actual learning gains for the compared instructional approaches. Additionally, independent t-test results indicated that there was not a statistical difference for attitude change holistically and on each of the four sub-scales for the compared instructional approaches. However, correlational analyses revealed a strong relationship between students\u27 level of mastery learning and their actual learning level for each class with the self-adaptive instructional approach having a stronger correlation than the non-adaptive section, as measured by an r-to-z Fisher transformation test. The results of this study indicate that the self-adaptive instructional approach using ALEKS could more accurately report students\u27 true level of learning compared to a non-adaptive instructional approach. Overall, this study found the compared instructional approaches to be equivalent in terms of learning and effect on students\u27 attitude. While not statistically different, the results of this study have implications for math educators, instructional designers, and software developers. For example, a non-adaptive instructional approach can be equivalent to a self-adaptive instructional approach in terms of learning with appropriate planning and design. Future recommendations include further case studies of self-adaptive technology in developmental and college mathematics in other modalities such as hybrid or on-line courses. Also, this study should be replicated on a larger scale with other self-adaptive math software in addition to focusing on other student populations, such as K - 12. There is much potential for intelligent tutoring to supplement different instructional approaches, but should not be viewed as a replacement for teacher-to-student interactions
Inclusive Search for Anomalous Production of High-pT Like-Sign Lepton Pairs in Proton-Antiproton Collisions at sqrt{s}=1.8 TeV
We report on a search for anomalous production of events with at least two
charged, isolated, like-sign leptons with pT > 11 GeV/c using a 107 pb^-1
sample of 1.8 TeV ppbar collisions collected by the CDF detector. We define a
signal region containing low background from Standard Model processes. To avoid
bias, we fix the final cuts before examining the event yield in the signal
region using control regions to test the Monte Carlo predictions. We observe no
events in the signal region, consistent with an expectation of
0.63^(+0.84)_(-0.07) events. We present 95% confidence level limits on new
physics processes in both a signature-based context as well as within a
representative minimal supergravity (tanbeta = 3) model.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures. Minor textual changes, cosmetic improvements to
figures and updated and expanded reference
Search for Kaluza-Klein Graviton Emission in Collisions at TeV using the Missing Energy Signature
We report on a search for direct Kaluza-Klein graviton production in a data
sample of 84 of \ppb collisions at = 1.8 TeV, recorded
by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We investigate the final state of large
missing transverse energy and one or two high energy jets. We compare the data
with the predictions from a -dimensional Kaluza-Klein scenario in which
gravity becomes strong at the TeV scale. At 95% confidence level (C.L.) for
=2, 4, and 6 we exclude an effective Planck scale below 1.0, 0.77, and 0.71
TeV, respectively.Comment: Submitted to PRL, 7 pages 4 figures/Revision includes 5 figure
Search for lepton flavor violating decays of a heavy neutral particle in p-pbar collisions at root(s)=1.8 TeV
We report on a search for a high mass, narrow width particle that decays
directly to e+mu, e+tau, or mu+tau. We use approximately 110 pb^-1 of data
collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab from 1992 to 1995. No evidence
of lepton flavor violating decays is found. Limits are set on the production
and decay of sneutrinos with R-parity violating interactions.Comment: Figure 2 fixed. Reference 4 fixed. Minor changes to tex
Measurement of the average time-integrated mixing probability of b-flavored hadrons produced at the Tevatron
We have measured the number of like-sign (LS) and opposite-sign (OS) lepton
pairs arising from double semileptonic decays of and -hadrons,
pair-produced at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The data samples were
collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF) during the 1992-1995
collider run by triggering on the existence of and candidates
in an event. The observed ratio of LS to OS dileptons leads to a measurement of
the average time-integrated mixing probability of all produced -flavored
hadrons which decay weakly, (stat.)
(syst.), that is significantly larger than the world average .Comment: 47 pages, 10 figures, 15 tables Submitted to Phys. Rev.
Search for Long-lived Charged Massive Particles in anti-p p Collisions at s**1/2 = 1.8 TeV
We report a search for production of long-lived charged massive particles in
a data sample of 90 pb^{-1} of \sqrt{s} = 1.8 TeV p anti-p collisions recorded
by the Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF). The search uses the muon-like
penetration and anomalously high ionization energy loss signature expected for
such a particle to discriminate it from backgrounds. The data is found to agree
with background expectations, and cross section limits of \cal{O} (1) pb are
derived using two reference models, a stable quark and a stable scalar lepton.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figure
Search for Higgs Bosons Decaying into b anti-b and Produced in Association with a Vector Boson in Proton-Antiproton Collisions at 1.8 TeV
We present a new search for production, where is a scalar
Higgs boson decaying into with branching ratio , and is a
boson decaying into , , or .
This search is then combined with previous searches for where is a
boson or a hadronically decaying . The data sample consists of
pb of collisions at TeV
accumulated by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. Observing no evidence of a
signal, we set 95% Bayesian credibility level upper limits on
. For masses of 90, 110 and 130
GeV/, the limits are 7.8, 7.2, and 6.6 pb respectively.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, to be submiited to PR
Measurement of the polar-angle distribution of leptons from W boson decay as a function of the W transverse momentum in proton-antiproton collisions at sqrt{s}=1.8 TeV
We present a measurement of the coefficient alpha_2 of the leptonic
polar-angle distribution from W boson decays, as a function of the W transverse
momentum. The measurement uses an 80+/-4 pb^{-1} sample of proton-antiproton
collisions at sqrt{s}=1.8 TeV collected by the CDF detector and includes data
from both the W->e+nu and W->mu+nu decay channels. We fit the W boson
transverse mass distribution to a set of templates from a Monte Carlo event
generator and detector simulation in several ranges of the W transverse
momentum. The measurement agrees with the Standard Model expectation, whereby
the ratio of longitudinally to transversely polarized W bosons, in the
Collins-Soper W rest frame, increases with the W transverse momentum at a rate
of approximately 15% per 10 GeV/c.Comment: 47 pages, 16 figures, submitted to Physical Review
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