The author proposes the application of the scoring-rule method for measuring the subjective probability of multiple choice tests. In doing this, he generalized the scoring-rule method in order to derive general score functions under both free and constrained conditions. As a means of determining score function characteristics, he also introduces a measure for the "sensitivity of the score function." Further, the author explores the advantages and disadvantages of each score function when utilizing educational multiple choice tests and reports on the consequences of using the resulting tests. He discovered that there is a high correlation between expectation and actual student scores. Finally, the author extends the use of the scoring-rule method to multiple branching types of multiple choice tests.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of problem context and the understanding of word problems incorporating the use of variables in arithmetic. A group of 6-year-old children who were unable to solve word problems of this type was selected. All were asked to solve three addition and subtraction word problems involving variables. Half were put into an experimental group which used "a bag or pouch" as problem context ; the other half were not given any problem context. Success rates for the experimental group were 84, 88 and 76% for each question while the same rates for the control group were only 36, 36 and 40%, respectively. The implications of these results showing the importance of context in understanding the meaning of the tasks presented are discussed.

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The author and his colleagues have been trying to develop personal computer software which can identify, classify and calculate the frequency of Kanji found in various texts. As of this report, they are improving the software's capability to classify Kanji into one of three categories : (1) primary school level (the 1,008 most commonly-used Kanji), (2) secondary school level (the next 939 most commonly-used Kanji), and (3) other (infrequently-used Kanji). Using this program, the frequency of Kanji used on the front pages of two different newspapers over a period of eight days was analyzed. The results showed : (1) From 30% to 50% of the total number of characters used in the sample were Kanji. (2) Lower grade level Kanji was used more frequently that was those of the upper grades. (3) On an average, only 9% of the total text consisted of secondary school level Kanji. (4) And, only 1% of the total consisted of Kanji from the infrequently-used category. The results for both newspapers were similar. In conclusion, the authors believe that newspaper text can be used as one source of sample sentences for Japanese wordprocessor practice in informatics instruction at the elementary and secondary levels.

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Elementary school instruction is important for developing and improving study habits. In this study, the authors used simple self-diagnostic tests to investigate actual study conditions and the lives of elementary school children. The tests were simple questionnaires on study and daily life. A personal computer was used to quickly process the results and make them available to the teacher for use in guidance and instruction. The results showed that there was a high correlation between the answers on the items asking about study and those asking about daily life, meaning that these data can be applied to teaching elementary school children. The results were also related to the grade levels of the subjects.

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