The guessing parameter is not yet available in applets 3 and higher.
The proper working of stratified sampling in the higher applets has not been checked for a long time now, be not amazed to get rubbish as results.
If you come across an applet that is not functioning properly, please mail me. It is not possible always to check all applets for unintended consequences of changes in classes. As this is a project in progress, such changes are made on a routine basis.

Applets are known to work correctly under:
Internet Explorer under Windows XP
Firefox 1.0.7 under Windows XP
Safari 1.2 under MacOSX 10.3.9
FireFox 1.5.0.4 under MacOSX 10.3.9

It might be the case that the applets do not open properly in browsers under Windows, or in browsers other than Safari under MacOS X: the applet field remains gray or blank.
In module chapters original applets have been replaced with screenshots; therefore applet problems should not hinder readers of the SPA project. Readers not able to use the applets in their browser, and yet willing to do so, may contact me, if preferences of the browser pertaining to Java do not seem to be the problem.

Information about Java, and applets in particular:
http://java.sun.com
http://java.sun.com/applets/

MacOS X: There is a problem with Java versions 1.4 for browsers other than Safari. See http://javaplugin.sourceforge.net/Readme.html; http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Java/Conceptual/Java131Development/deploying/chapter_3_section_5.html; simile.mit.edu/repository/ misc/java_embedding_plugin/readme.rtf
MacOS X: Opera, version 8.5, produces 'java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: Spa_BinomialApplet (Unsupported major.minor version 48.0)
MacOS X: Internet Explorer 5.2 for Mac, [preferences: enable Java on; cookies: never ask; web content: enable plug-ins on] produces 'java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: Spa_BinomialApplet (Unsupported major.minor version 48.0)

Windows: Java Applet plug-in makes it possible for your computer (including Windows¨ XP, Me, NT, 2000, 98, or 95) to run applets in your browser. http://www.mcdonalds.com/search/help/plug_play/sunmicro.html

Strategic preparation for achievement testing

Applets 7 and 7a advanced

Ben Wilbrink

For the text on the SPA model see the project.

Applets 7 belong to module 7 the Last Test.

applets advanced applets other applets

    1         1a    Generator         1o. 1oa advanced
    2         2a    Mastery Envelope
    3         3a    Predictor
    4         4a    Ruling
    5         5a    Learning
    6         6a    Expectations        6b. special 6.1a.  advanced
    7         7a    Last Test
    8         8a    Strategy
    9         9a True Utility

applet 7

Module 7 The Last Test Strategy

The opening picture may show a plot on different specifications, start the applet to see the plot corresponding to the menu specifications shown

new menu items

The vertical scale origin is free to choose in order to be able to adequately depict curves having optima that otherwise would plat awkwardly.
Failing the last test (LT) does not necessarily equal failing the course or examination. In fact, such is seldom the case. But failing the test does have consequences. One such consequence might be that an equivalent course unit and summative test will have to be done. The time cost of one such extra unit is the retrial prep time; expected time equalizing that needed for the LT is "1.0." Smaller values may be chosen, or larger ones, according to what the examination rules specify as consequential actions on failing the LT. [Asking for a retry on the same test - another sample of items of course - 1) most of the time is not sound educational practice, 2) costs much less retrial prep time, and 3) is therefore an invitation of sloppy test preparation. Use the model to estimate the cost of such bad practice]
Another possible consequence of failing the LT might be to do some extra assignment of specified duration. This fixed cost must be specified in the number of periods involved, i.e. physical duration must be translated into the 'personal time' of the student. Fixed cost should be put at "0.0" if the retrial prep time is to be used. Technically fixed cost and retrial prep time can be used in combination.
In the right upper corner the utility function as specified is plotted; it serves to make it easier to check for the correct specified values. The advanced applet will offer the opportunity to plot the learning and expected utility curves as well.

Module 8 The Strategist: Optimal stopping

Advanced applet 7a/8a

new menu items

Plot expected utility curves plots also the expected utility curve, its vertical scaling is determined by scale height expected utility.
One option offered is option = 900: simulate the NTLT while analysing (instead of simulating also) the LT.
Another option = 80 applies the specified utility function in the LT case, instead of the pure threshold function. It is up to the user to supply a meaningful interpretation of this case. If the intention is to multiply labor market position (for example some measure of human capital) and expected utility, the expectations applet 6 should be used instead. NB: in both cases, of course, the cut-off or reference point is the same.
Option = 980 combines options 900 and 80.

Mail your opinion, suggestions, critique, experience on/with the SPA

June 25, 2006 \ contact ben at at at benwilbrink.nl

http://www.benwilbrink.nl/projecten/spa_applet7.htm