In the complex world of educational policy, causal inferences will be debated. As we review non-experimental designs in educational policy, we focus on how to clarify and focus the terms of debate. We begin by presenting the potential outcomes/counterfactual framework and then describe approximations to the counterfactual generated from the…

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…

The development of the between-class, within-class analysis has facilitated a more refined analysis of classroom processes and influences: those which affect a class as a whole, a student within a class, or an individual student independent of context. However, a problem arises in using a between-class, within-class analysis to infer a particular…

This article examines how psychometric models based on certain assumptions have come to be used counterproductively by many practitioners in ways that limit the kinds of conclusions that can be made. The general problem of the context's influence on performance is discussed, and some implications are drawn. (SLD)

Reviews previous effective-schools research frameworks and examines underlying assumptions and methodological implications. Drawing on an Israeli study, argues that the modeling of school-effectiveness studies must be both multilevel and interactive. Achievement depends on the particular combination of a pupil's home background and general…

Reviews major perspectives through which social exclusion has been examined in developmental and social psychological research and examines their limitations. Maintains that Killen et al.'s findings raise questions about attempts to account for social exclusion solely in terms of broad variables, such as prejudice, and point to the importance of…