Evidence-based assessment (EBA) requires that investigators employ scientific theories and research findings to guide decisions about what domains to measure, how and when to measure them, and how to make decisions and interpret results. To implement EBA, investigators need high-quality assessment tools along with evidence-based processes. We…

Education researchers frequently have to choose between statistical models for their data, and in many cases the candidate models or parameters can be listed in a sequence, m=1,...,M, from less preferable choices to more. For instance, in choosing a bandwidth for regression discontinuity designs, researchers would favor the largest possible…

Single-case data are frequently used in school psychology. In research, single-case designs allow experimenters to provide rigorous demonstrations of treatment effects on a smaller scale and with more precise measurement than traditional group experimental design. In practice, single-case data are used to evaluate the effects of school-based…

Action research has been described as "designing the plane while flying it" (Herr & Anderson, 2005, p. 69). A black box documented the researcher's decisions while facilitating leadership development sessions with teacher leaders. Ten process folio steps informed the study through six iterations. Planning steps included a design…

This paper illustrates how information collected through interviews can develop a richer understanding of the assignment mechanism, which can result in more plausible causal effect estimates from observational studies and provides a roadmap for sensitivity analysis. Focusing on the issue of assignment to algebra in 8th grade, the author shows how…

It is a maxim in decision making that individuals who are affected by decisions should partake in making these decisions. The purpose of this paper is to examine practices in decision making in the field of curriculum in light of this maxim. (Author)

When statistics are the focus, consumer/consultant relationships are often strained. Therefore, decision points in the research and consulting processes are examined for ways to clarify and improve the consulting relationship. A model for analyzing statistical techniques to provide a graphic basis for negotiation is presented. (Author/GDC)

The paper develops a suggested model of process space for the Input, Process, Product, and Impact (IPPI) model of vocational education. Part 1 presents the need; Part 2 develops a schema for classifying process variables (human, physical, and organizational); their interactive nature is reflected in a dual classification system which enables users…

Lack of use of educational evaluation results in the Netherlands was investigated by analyzing 14 curriculum evaluation studies. Results indicated that rational decision making with a technical (empirical) evaluation approach makes utilization of results most likely. Incremental decision making and a conformative approach make utilization least…

In preparation for the next National Household Education Survey (NHES), the conceptual frameworks of participatory behavior and methods used by other researchers to study factors promoting or inhibiting participation were examined. The following items were reviewed: the adult education (AE) barriers questions included on the 1991 and 1995 editions…

Reviews models commonly used in psychological research, and, particularly, in organizational decision making. An alternative model of organizational decision making is suggested. The model, referred to as the garbage can model, describes a process in which members of an organization collect the problems and solutions they generate by dumping them…

Factors affecting decision-making on where to go for recreation, specifically state park choice, were analyzed in a study based on data, collected via a telephone survey, from 452 Oklahoma households. The relative accuracy of various models for predicting individual destination choices were also examined. (IAH)

As with any new theory, it is necessary to validate the basic construct of vocational maturity. Once this is done, instruments to measure vocational maturity, or decision making, can be evaluated. With this as an objective, this paper discusses some of the problems associated with measuring vocational maturity, such as identifying variables,…

The need for competent formal evaluation programs, particularly for new federally assisted programs, is expressed. Problems in defining educational evaluation and its requirements, in designing such evaluations, and 3 possible sources of faulty conceptual bases for evaluations, are presented. An attempt is made to define evaluation in general, to…

Factors involved in pre-planned and post-planned evaluation of program effectiveness are compared: (1) reliability and cost of data; (2) internal and external validity; (3) obtrusiveness and threat; (4) goal displacement and program direction. A model to help program administrators decide which approach is more appropriate is presented. (Author/MH)