This paper provides a historical review of the interview research that has been used by science educators to investigate children's basic astronomy knowledge. A wide range of strategies have been developed over the last 120 years or so as successive teams of researchers have endeavoured to overcome the methodological difficulties that have arisen.…

This brief review of research examines the mail questionnaire as a research tool. Major topics reported are the advantages and disadvantages of mail surveys response rates, and questionnaire construction. Among the advantages reported are ease of distribution and tabulation, the possibility of a large sample and geographic range, low cost,…

Discusses methodological issues in paper-and-pencil measuring instruments applicable to the assessment of attitudes toward women, men and a variety of gender-related issues. Commonly used questionnaire formats are critiqued and the limitations of heterogeneous scales explored. Presents recommendations for the construction of scales that predict…

Notes how the wording of questions can affect the results of surveys and questionnaires. Suggests activities to help students become critical listeners, viewers, and readers. (RL)