A randomized experiment that measures the impact of a social policy in a sample of the population reveals whether the policy will work on average with universal application. An experiment that includes only the subset of the population that volunteers for the intervention generates narrower "proof-of-concept" evidence of whether the…

Discussion of the Internet as a source of information focuses on the question of whether the Internet provides a representative subset of the known body of knowledge and information. Highlights include the knowledge comparison function; and the significance of information equivalence as a basis for setting goals for Internet research policy. (LRW)

The nature and purpose of institutional research (IR), forms of research, and the function of IR in the organizational structures of colleges and universities are examined. Institutional research is defined as research conducted within a higher education institution to provide information that supports institutional planning, policy formulation,…

The authors' thesis is that educational research responds to external social and policy events rather than creates them. They attempt to forecast external developments in Scotland which will affect research and highlight the trend toward collaborative research. (SJL)

Describes the successful involvement of homeless youth in the creation of a presentation to the Campaign for the Single Homeless (CHAR) in England. Asserts that it is vital that children's organizations support an active role for children and young people in policy development, and that it be done in the right way, whatever the cost. (EV)

In this paper we discuss the complexities of interview transcription. While often seen as a behind-the-scenes task, we suggest that transcription is a powerful act of representation. Transcription is practiced in multiple ways, often using naturalism, in which every utterance is captured in as much detail as possible, and/or denaturalism, in which…

Asserts that conducting an organizational survey efficiently and effectively requires detailed planning. Provides an outline of the general steps common to organizational surveys but cautions that the process cannot be covered fully in a brief article. Presents a five-phase process and discusses common problems and pitfalls. (CFR)

A methodology is developed for producing a well-designed problem in policy analysis. This evaluative context methodology is defined as an iterative process based on a series of checklist questions. Use of the methodology is demonstrated in a policy development project in New Zealand devoted to encouraging use of the Maori language. (SLD)

This chapter discusses the evolution of alumni studies in the United States and how alumni data can be used to inform public policy.

In recent years, college administrators have become concerned with survey fatigue among students and declining response rates. Some campuses have responded by implementing policies about who can conduct surveys and which topics are permitted. This chapter describes the development of such policies and provides valuable suggestions to campus…

This chapter examines, from four perspectives, the ways in which educational research, development, and evaluation activities in the United States are organized, controlled, and supported, and considers whether research can be properly used to shape educational policy and practice. First, the size and historical development of the research and…

The purpose of this conference was to provide a framework for improving the quality and increasing the quantity of nutrition education research. Emphasis was placed upon examining the research process from the standpoint of theory or model building. Presentations were made on: (1) "Nutrition Education Research Policy in Washington"…

Describes three classes of measurement techniques: (1) interviewing methods; (2) record retrieval procedures; and (3) observation methods. Discusses primary reasons for measurement error. Concludes that, although measurement error can be defined and controlled for, there are other design factors that also must be considered. (CFR)

Obtaining accurate, comprehensive data for vocational education has been one of the more elusive objectives of federal policy. Given the long history of unsuccessful attempts to improve the quality and scope of data on vocational education, it is important to understand the lessons of the past before embarking on a new data collection effort…

Asserts that current technology makes it possible to administer organizational surveys by using computers. Describes processes of conducting a computer-administered survey. Finds that respondents who complete computer surveys find them more interesting and seem to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings while completing them. (CFR)