The author of this commentary argues that physical scientists are attempting to advance knowledge in the so-called hard sciences, whereas education researchers are laboring to increase knowledge and understanding in an "extremely hard" but softer domain. Drawing on the work of Popper and Dewey, this commentary highlights the relative…

Kanazawa [Kanazawa, S. (2006). IQ and the wealth of states. "Intelligence," 34, 593-600.] offered estimates of state IQ derived from SAT data. The purpose of this commentary is to argue that state preferences for the use of the ACT versus the SAT create biased estimates of SAT-derived state IQ for states where the ACT is more frequently…

B. B. Murdock (2006; see record 2006-08257-009) has interpreted remember-know data within a decision space defined by item and associative information, the fundamental variables in his general recognition memory model TODAM (B. B. Murdock, 1982). He has related parameters of this extended model to stimulus characteristics for several classic…

Discusses the use of behavioral simulations to study the processes that underlie strategy formulation and implementation. Seven behavioral simulations that attempt to mirror top management interactions in an organization are described and compared; research measures used are discussed; and implications for studies of strategic processes are…

This paper reviews evidence that characteristics of the perceptually fluent speech of stutterers change as a function of a number of variables and that, because these variables are difficult to fully control, comparison of the characteristics of the perceptually fluent speech of stutterers and nonstutterers as a method of studying stuttering…

Expands an existing nonlinear dynamic epidemic model of onset of social activities (EMOSA), motivated by social contagion theory, to quantify the likelihood of pregnancy for adolescent girls of different sexuality statuses. Compares five sexuality/pregnancy models to explain variance in national prevalence curves. Finds that adolescent girls have…

The authors state that multiple regression is a powerful method of statistical analysis, provides a strength of relationship index, and should replace analysis of variance (ANOVA) in educational research. They also discuss the coding of categorical variables and available computer programs for multiple regression. (Author/MH)

Compares research productivity patterns in library science with those in other fields and explains why such factors as intellectual traits, educational experience, institutional support, and available time do not account for variations in scholarly output. Suggestions for different approaches for future research are given. (54 references) (LRW)

Describes phonological sensitivity at different grain sizes as a good predictor of reading acquisition in all languages. Presents information on development of phonological sensitivity for syllables, onsets, and rimes. Illustrates that phoneme-level skills develop fastest in children acquiring orthographically consistent languages with simple…

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether distance education learners experience anxiety, based on results of a survey of 222 University of Southern Queensland students. Anxiety toward instructional materials and variables that affect students' perceptions of factors that affect their anxiety are discussed. (LRW)

Addresses the implicit assumption that instructional media represent meaningful experimental variables independent of instructional content or strategy. Results of computer-based instruction (CBI) studies (both well-designed and flawed) and meta-analyses are reviewed to support the authors' position that this assumption is invalid, and new…

Because of states' growing roles in education, the study of variation in state educational policies contributes to a better understanding of policy processes and to the prediction of possible policy outcomes. Comparing state educational policies involves choosing variables and analytical designs and defining cases, concepts, and measurement.…

Data from a national survey of microcomputer uses in schools are used to demonstrate differences in access to and uses of computers by students. Factors examined include race, socioeconomic status, sex, achievement, and ability level. Also discussed are inequality and inequity and the need for additional research on computer impact. (RP)

A study was conducted to investigate the differential predictability of academic success between those who transferred to a private multipurpose university from two-year colleges and those who transferred from four-year institutions. The study looked at success after one academic year, using Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores and grade point…

Examines the consequences for children of life in families that receive at least part of their income from welfare. Suggests these children appear to complete less schooling, even after adjustment for other differences between recipient and nonrecipient families. Low family income and maternal employment are also found to reduce completed…