There are advantages to using a priori or planned comparisons rather than omnibus multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) tests followed by post hoc or a posteriori testing. A small heuristic data set is used to illustrate these advantages. An omnibus MANOVA test was performed on the data followed by a post hoc test (discriminant analysis). A…

Discussion of the value of knowledge about the history of library science in the formation of professional identity focuses on a survey that was designed to provide data about the patterns of research that characterize a group of library historians concerned with biography. Barriers to biographical research are examined. (32 references) (LRW)

Based on a model of human symbolic activity, a study examined the influence of congruity of communicator style expectations of and experiences with a supervisor as it affects subordinates' satisfaction with supervision. Nine supervisors and 87 subordinates employed at the Hose Production Center of a national tire and rubber corporation were…

Describes a study of high school students that investigated the use of microcomputers to teach principles relating to the design and interpretation of graphs. Results related to student achievement, higher order thinking skills, and behavioral protocols are discussed. A sample assignment sheet and test questions are appended. (66 references) (LRW)

Math Works is the fifth grade component of the "Mathematics for the '80s" project, a series of 28 video programs and related material developed by a consortium of state and provincial education and television agencies. A formative evaluation of Math Works programs (9 and 25) was conducted to assess the instructional effectiveness and general…

This study investigated the effects of medium of instruction, task difficulty, and gender on continuing motivation. A total of 139 fifth and sixth graders with previous computer experience completed an initial learning task in one of the two media formats (computer or paper/pencil) and under either a hard or easy difficulty level. Students' choice…

To generate a useful means of analyzing think-aloud protocols of individual students, and to determine the extent to which practical information might be derived from transcripts and videotapes, this project focused on the problem-solving behaviors of 17 sixth-grade students videotaped while solving routine textbook word problems. Using a…

Comparative research was conducted using gifted and average upper elementary and junior high school students to determine the effectiveness of utilizing microcomputers for the development of computer literacy and the implementation of curriculum courseware. Eighty students were selected as the treatment group and received instruction in the…

Following up two previous studies which identified the course content, and essential skills and knowledge outcomes for graduate introductory educational research courses, further study was conducted to determine the following: which of the skills identified for graduate introductory research courses were quantitatively or qualitatively oriented;…

This monograph covers the theory, application, and interpretation of both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques in institutional research. Each chapter opens with a hypothetical case study, which is used to illustrate the application of one or more statistical procedures to typical research questions. Chapter 2 covers the comparison…