Context: A perennial problem in applied statistics is the inability to justify strong claims about cause-and-effect relationships without full knowledge of the mechanism determining selection into treatment. Few research designs other than the well-implemented random assignment study meet this requirement. Researchers have proposed partial…

This study examines meta-analysis studies published in the field of educational sciences from 2010-2019, in journals indexed within the scope of the TÜBITAK ULAKBIM TR Directory. Of the 163 studies scanned, 26 meta-analysis studies that meet the inclusion criteria constitute the sample of this content analysis study. Within this research, a…

This article explores the potential of Bayesian inference as a theoretical framework for describing how people evaluate hypotheses. First, it identifies a set of logically possible forms of non-Bayesian behavior. Second, it reviews existing research in a variety of areas to see whether these possibilities are ever realized. (Author/BW)

Examines potential problems in the use of inferential statistics for single population proportions, differences between two population proportions, and quotients of two population proportions. Discusses hypothesis testing versus interval estimation. Emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate formula for the standard error and…

This review presents an overview of selected articles on the leniency hypothesis: the idea that students give higher evaluations to instructors who grade more leniently. Such articles comprise a small subset of the voluminous research on student evaluations of teaching (SETs). In this diverse literature, research methods and aims have frequently…

In the educational research literature alpha, the a priori level of significance, and p, the a posteriori probability of obtaining a test statistic of at least a certain value when the null hypothesis is true, are often confused. Explanations for this confusion are offered. Paradoxically, alpha retains a prominent place in textbook discussions of…

Argues that R. Trapp's reservations regarding the characterization of Jackson's and Jacobs' conversational argument are unfounded. Reports several studies that use procedures similar to those employed by Trapp to confirm Jackson's and Jacobs' theory. Discusses reservations about using subject generated judgments as an unproblematic standard for…

Discusses the generalization of findings from analogue therapy research to the clinical situation. Rakover contends this leads to self-contradiction and lack of scientific progress and proposes theory testing. Kazdin suggests research to determine the relationship of analogue therapy to clinical practice. (JAC)

Two methodological problems often arising in dyslexia research are considered. The first problem concerns the validity of experimental measures and the related problem of interpreting null results. The second problem involves the effects of sampling from a disabled population if the disorder under investigation has multiple unknown origins.…

This article highlights three common problems with assessment research, including the following needs: (1) to adopt a hypothesis testing approach; (2) for research to be guided by available formal and informal theory, and (3) for research to be consistent with general school psychological practice. New research methodologies and new research…

Examines Jones's and Nisbett's (1971, 1972) hypothesis that people generally attribute the actions of others to stable trait dispositions but see their own behavior as relatively more influenced by specific environmental circumstances. Discusses methodological problems in studies examining this hypothesis, suggesting ways they might be overcome.…

Discussion of research on computer-aided instruction (CAI) focuses on a set of questions and hypotheses that form the basis for research on the effectiveness of CAI. Four factors are highlighted: (1) the medium (including interactive videodisc); (2) the environment; (3) student characteristics; and (4) topic of instruction. (38 references) (LRW)

Reviews recent developments in the following areas of research on affective disorders and related syndromes in the preadult years: (1) psychiatric and diagnostic (nonbiological) studies; (2) hypothesis-testing and causal-explanation studies; and (3) studies of developmental psychopathology. Indicates directions for future research. (Author/BJV)

This paper evaluates the logic underlying various criticisms of statistical significance testing and makes specific recommendations for scientific and editorial practice that might better increase the knowledge base. Reliance on the traditional hypothesis testing model has led to a major bias against nonsignificant results and to misinterpretation…