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Cautions regarding random number generation on the Apple II
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  • Computer Technology
  • Published: July 1987

Cautions regarding random number generation on the Apple II

  • James W. Aldridge1 

Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers volume 19, pages 397–399 (1987)Cite this article

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  • 3 Citations

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Abstract

Undocumented characteristics of the pseudorandom number generators in Applesoft BASIC and Apple Pascal are described that cause identical sequences to be generated on different executions of programs written in those languages. Although it is relatively easy for this problem to escape notice, in both cases the problem is easily corrected once its existence is known.

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References

  • Apple Computer, Inc. (1980).Apple II Apple Pascal language reference manual. Cupertino, CA: Author.

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  • Apple Computer, Inc. (1981).Applesoft II BASIC programming reference manual. Cupertino, CA: Author.

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  • Modianos, D. T., Scott, R. C., &Cornwell, L. W. (1987). Testing intrinsic random-number generators.Byte,12, 175–178.

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  • Wichmann, B., &Hill, D. (1987). Building a random-number generator.Byte,12, 127–128.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Pan American University, 78539, Edinburg, TX

    James W. Aldridge

Authors
  1. James W. Aldridge
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Additional information

Preparation of this paper was supported by grants BNS-7919801 from the National Science Foundation and SO6RR08038 from the National Institute of Mental Health/MBRS.

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Cite this article

Aldridge, J.W. Cautions regarding random number generation on the Apple II. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 19, 397–399 (1987). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03202585

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  • Received: 19 March 1987

  • Accepted: 08 May 1987

  • Issue Date: July 1987

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03202585

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Keywords

  • Pseudorandom Number
  • Pseudorandom Number Generator
  • ApPLE Computer
  • Positive Argument
  • Negative Argument
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