The role of the coauthor relationship in the structure of informal communications networks within disciplines is explored, and the validity of coauthor graphs used to map these relationships is tested for both small and large databases. (CLB)

Because diagnostic capability of the WISC-R has remained in doubt, its diagnostic suitability was assessed by applying Kelley's method of estimating the proportion of score differences in excess of chance to the original subscales, Bannatyne clusters, and Kaufman's three factor groupings. Caution should be used when applying WISC-R diagnostically.…

Empirical significance of document partitions is investigated as a function of index term-weight and similarity thresholds. Results show the same empirically preferred partitions can be detected by two independent strategies: an analysis of cluster-based retrieval analysis and an analysis of regularities in the underlying structure of the document…

This study develops a three-stage model of the question-answering process and investigates several potential sources of extraneous variability. Discussion includes implications of findings concerning what it means to "use" library materials and services, adverbs used as response category labels, and subject's responses as predictors of…

For this evaluation of a multicultural education unit, Staged Innovation Design, which allows for experimental group posttest scores to be compared to control-replication group pretest and posttest scores to ascertain instructional effectiveness, was modified by adding a simultaneous pretest for both groups to control for threats to internal…

Describes the process used to develop two examinations, an achievement test of computer literacy and a computer anxiety index. Highlights include a definition of computer literacy, determination of the validity and reliability of the tests, and a study to evaluate the final versions of the tests. (Author/LRW)

Presents a validation procedure for the Computer Literacy Examination: Cognitive Aspect, a test assessing high school students' computer literacy levels. Steps in the test's construction process are explained, data collected during its validation phase are analyzed, and conclusions on its validity and reliability are discussed. The final test…

Describes the field evaluation process used to assess the validity, effectiveness, and efficiency of an interactive microcomputer simulation program designed for teachers and student teachers preparing to work with emotionally or behaviorally handicapped elementary school-age children. Results indicate the simulation was judged to be useful. (MBR)

Describes a study done by Herbert White that resulted in rankings of library and information science programs based on perceptual assessments by faculty and library directors. Problems with this methodology are discussed, and further findings based on extensive interviews with subjects of the White study are reported. (CLB)

Construct validity and reliability estimates indicate that study designed to measure utilization of automation in public and academic libraries was successful in tentatively identifying and measuring three subdimensions of level of automation: quality of hardware, method of software development, and number of automation specialists. Questionnaire…

The nine-volume Survey Kit is designed to help readers prepare and conduct surveys and become better users of survey results. All the books in the series contain instructional objectives, exercises and answers, examples of surveys in use, illustrations of survey questions, guidelines for action, checklists of "dos and don'ts," and…

Describes the development and testing of the Bath County Computer Attitudes Scale (BCCAS), which is designed to measure elementary and secondary school students' attitudes toward computers. Preliminary and revised versions are reviewed, and a analysis of data supports the validity of the BCCAS as a measure of computer attitudes. (Author/LRW)

Examines the importance of levels of questioning and types of feedback in designing courseware for computer-based education. Test results are analyzed for four groups of high school students who completed different versions of a computer-based science lesson, and recommendations for future research are given. (Author/LRW)

Describes an investigation which assessed predictive value of Iowa Test of Educational Development, Science Research Associates Inc.'s Computer Programming Aptitude Battery, and Wolfe Programming Aptitude Test for predicting secondary school students' success in computer science courses, to develop a prediction model, and to estimate mastery…

Computer-based instruction (CBI) studies analyzed by Kulik et al. were examined to explore the validity of competing claims about the computer's contribution to measured achievement gains. Results suggest achievement gains found in CBI studies are overestimated and are due to uncontrolled but robust instructional methods embedded in CBI…