(Advanced) applets 8 and 9, as well as the chapters, are currently (Dec. '05) under revision, the current routines have not yet been tested adequately.
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 8 and 8a advanced

Ben Wilbrink

For the text on the SPA model see the project.

Applets 8 belong to module 8 the Strategist.

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 8

Module 8 The Strategist: Optimal stopping

new menu items

Remember that the case handled in module 8 is that of the Next To Last Test. The strategy followed will result in more or less costs on the Last Test also, the 'more' or the 'less' are included in the expected cost curve for the NTLT.
Here the advanced option to plot on a second set of values is offered to be able to highlight differences between compensation scenario's.
Another advanced menu item is the option box. It may be used to shift the strategy on the LT a specified number of bars above or below the evaluated optimum strategy. Use the number 1100 and add or subtract the number of bars (maximum 99). The option serves to investigate the effects in the case of negative compensation on the NTLT; they are nearly negligible.
The advanced applet will offer the opportunity to plot the LT curves as well, enabling direct comparison of LT and NTLT strategies.

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_applet8.htm