Missing data are a common occurrence in survey-based research studies in education, and the way missing values are handled can significantly affect the results of analyses based on such data. Despite known problems with performance of some missing data handling methods, such as mean imputation, many researchers in education continue to use those…

The interpretation of single-case data requires systematic visual analysis across and within conditions. Graphs are a vital component for analyzing and communicating single-case design data and a necessary tool for applied researchers and practitioners. Several articles have been published with task analyses for graphing data with the new versions…

The Common Core of Data (CCD) nonfiscal surveys consist of data submitted annually to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) by state education agencies (SEAs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the four U.S. Island Areas (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin…

The handbook was designed to serve as a job scheduling guide and general reference for the data control section of the Southern University Computer Center (SUCC). A description of the computer operations service procedure at Southern University is provided. For each computer job catalogued and inventoried by the SUCC, a summary page is included…

Presented is a detailed account of developing an EDITOR program, written in Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) BASIC, for the Heathkit H11 and for the TRS-80 Level II personal computers. It requires a disk system and a BASIC interpreter with some elementary string-handling routines. (KC)

Presents an empirical case study of the use of ITS, a software development environment designed by IBM, by Continental Insurance for underwriting applications. Use of a rule-based user interface style that made electronic forms look like standard insurance industry paper forms and worked according to Continental's guidelines is described.…

This competency-based data processing curriculum guide consists of a total of 65 curriculum worksheets dealing with data entry, computer operations, and computer programing. Provided in each worksheet are the following materials: a duty title, a task description, a pretest, references and resources, student learning activities, teacher activities,…

These guidelines provide a basis for determining the content and extent of documentation for computer programs and automated data systems. Content descriptions of ten document types plus examples of how management can determine when to use the various types are included. The documents described are (1) functional requirements documents, (2) data…

Outlines procedures for the application of data processing technology to media center functions, and explains four steps in designing a database: preliminary design, selection of software, detailed design, and design evaluation. (LRW)

Provides a generalized overview of the problems that software buyers are likely to encounter and could overcome. Experiences of Online, Inc., in purchasing programs, using software documentation or manuals, and problems with software, provide examples. (EJS)

Arguing that complete, reliable, up-to-date system documentation is critical for every data processing environment, this paper on computer disaster recovery planning begins by discussing the importance of such documentation both for recovering from a systems crash, and for system maintenance and enhancement. The various components of system…

In order to obtain accurate and factual data, a survey instrument must be well constructed and a survey planned carefully and conducted under strict conditions. Of importance in planning a survey is a determination of previous and on-going research through an extensive literature review. In designing the survey, the researcher should aim at…

The author suggests that the best guidance programs are those which allow the professional counselor the largest amount of time for counseling. The use of computers in the field of guidance assists the counselors in information storage and retrieval and provides for individualized instruction. However, the use of computers will require specific…

Ways in which the National Library of Medicine's online data file of audiovisual instructional materials (AVLINE) can be searched are described. The search approaches were developed with the assistance of data analysts at NLM trained in reference services. AVLINE design, search strategies, and acquisition of the materials are reported. (LBH)

To help business teachers who would like to improve or expand their offerings in data processing, Minnesota developed curriculum guidelines for a potential three-semester data processing program at the high school level. This article discusses Minnesota's approach for identifying course content, basic assumptions for curriculum guidelines, and…