From the time of Likert (1932) on, attitudes of expediency regarding both theory and methodology became apparent with reference to survey construction and validation practices. In place of theory and more--theoretically minded methods, such as those found in the early work of Thurstone (1928) and Coombs (1964), statistical models and…

Provides critical analysis of Edwards (1992) presentation of a set of examples from the Child Language Data Exchange System as prototypes of bad transcription practice. The analysis argues that Edward's approach causes the development of an overly rigid set of principles that could stop progress in the analysis of spontaneous language samples.…

Evaluates and criticizes Goldsmith's book, "Autosegmental and Metrical Phonology." The analysis addresses several areas that are viewed as flaws in Goldsmith's synthesis both in the textbook and with the definition and use of the autosegmental notation. (32 references) (GLR)