The prevailing assumption by some that deep processing promotes stronger learning outcomes while surface processing promotes weaker learning outcomes has been called into question by the inconsistency and ambiguity of results in investigations of the relation between levels of processing and performance. The purpose of this literature review is to…

In the context of "academic momentum," a longitudinal study of university students (N = 904) showed high school achievement and ongoing university achievement predicted subsequent achievement through university. However, the impact of high school achievement diminished, while additive effects of ongoing university achievement continued.…

This study addresses several methodological problems that have confronted prior research on the effect of class size on student achievement. Unlike previous studies, this analysis accounts for the hierarchical data structure of student achievement, where grades are nested within classes and students, and considers a wide range of class sizes…

When students are taught with approaches matching their preferences as identified in Rita Dunn's "Learning Style Inventory," they demonstrate statistically higher achievement and attitude test scores than when taught with approaches mismatching their preferences. Learning styles must be identified with a reliable instrument, because…

Describes the evolution of national educational assessment in the United States, its present stage of development, methodological and reporting problems, and approaches applicable to assessment data. Examines how proposed approaches can be applied in the California Assessment Program and in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (MJL)

Identifies shortcomings of single equation models of educational achievement, including that they have omitted relevant variables. Considers three models of educational achievement--one using cross-sectional data; one using pre- and post measures of achievement; and one using more complete panel data. (Author/DB)

This article outlines a data collection model designed by Riffel and associates. This model provides information which may assist district and school level personnel in facilitating the desegregation process. (Author/AM)

Assesses five models dealing with the economic returns of education. Each model is assessed using 1970 data from a one percent national sample of workers. Conclusions are that some of the research on earnings and income attainment should be reexamined. (KC)

Criticizes the current status of school-level factors as they appear in research reviews and in school-effectiveness models, from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. Argues that most studies do not investigate factors at the classroom level. Outlines a theoretical basis for these factors based on learning theories and instruction…

Critically reviews literature on school effectiveness challenging the assumption that school differences have little effect on student achievement, presents a speculative portrait of an effective school, and proposes directions for future research. (MP)

The effects of father absence on educational achievement and intellectual development of 6- to 11-year-old children were investigated by employing a nationally representative sample of 5,493 father-present and 616 father-absent children from the Health Examination Survey of the National Center for Health Statistics. (Author/RH)

This article finds the empirical review of the intellectual effects of family factors by Lala Carr Steelman wanting because (1) it is selective and incomplete; (2) it ignores systematic aggregate effects; (3) it imposes linear analysis on nonmonotone relationships; and (4) it disregards most of the confounds identified by Steelman as crucial.…

The author responds to criticism by R. B. Zajonc on a review of the extant literature on the intellectual consequences of sibship size and birth order. (Author/LMO)

Examines the possibility that specification errors contributed to the Schuman et al. (1985) findings of a weak relationship between study time and college grades. Analyzes main and interactive effects, measures of quantity and quality of study, and various context-specific models of college grades. Results challenge previous findings. (Author/SV)

Existing classroom data were used in a preliminary test of a theoretical model of student academic motivation. Expected relationships among verbal ability, internality, self-esteem, and success were found, along with evidence that class grouping may alter them. Problems encountered using existing research for other purposes are described.…