This paper identifies typical sampling problems, including improper application of the Central Limit Theorem, that are associated with the probability-based sampling procedures currently used in clinical psychology research. It then presents two alternative research designs, the theory validation model and the extended case study model, which…

This publication discusses the development and use of an Educational Needs Projection (ENP) model designed to estimate the number of students "who have difficulty with instruction in English" in the Houston Independent School District. Unlike a state-mandated program that requires teachers and counselors to identify Limited…

Two population raw data matrices were constructed by computer simulation techniques. Each consisted of 10,000 subjects and 12 variables, and each was constructed according to an underlying factorial model consisting of four major common factors, eight minor common factors, and 12 unique factors. The computer simulation techniques were employed to…

A second-year interim report on a three-year cooperative study involving a regional sampling of 41 Kentucky school districts is presented. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop methods of sampling and annually assessing the extent of learners' needs and to stimulate educational programming based on the reduction of learners' needs. Major…

Research design sampling models regarding educational research of within-grade influences on overall educational experiences are discussed and limitations of each model noted. (DEP)

Discussion of user queries in information retrieval highlights the experimental evaluation of an adaptive linear model that constructs improved query vectors from user preference judgments on a sample set of documents. The performance of this method is compared with that of standard relevance feedback techniques. (28 references) (LRW)

The authors propose new procedures for evaluating direct, indirect, and total effects in multilevel models when all relevant variables are measured at Level 1 and all effects are random. Formulas are provided for the mean and variance of the indirect and total effects and for the sampling variances of the average indirect and total effects.…

In 1979-80, the Arkansas minimum competency tests were administered to a sample of 5,000 students in grades 3, 6, and 8. To determine how well test objectives matched the curriculum, their teachers estimated how many of the four items per objective a randomly selected student would answer correctly. Because chi square test comparisons of teacher…

The mathematical derivation of the statistics used for inference in some linear models assumes that the values of the independent variables are measured without error. This assumption is often disregarded when these models are utilized in research. This study is an investigation of the consequences of the violation of this assumption for one…

The relationship between publication productivity and the performance of scholarly-based course activities was investigated. A moderately strong relationship between research and teaching role performance was demonstrated. (Author/MLW)

The concept of paradigm development, it is suggested, can explain differences in organizational contexts of university departments. Departments from high-paradigm fields are embedded in a context with clearly identifiable and distinguishable dimensions. (Author/MLW)

Article is concerned with a model for school system evaluation. The usefulness of the indices from this model depend on their stability, and this study presents evidence related to their stability when pupils and factors related to time are considered as sources of error. (Author/RK)

The empirical validity of the Biglan model of academic disciplines is supported. Examples are provided to illustrate how the systematic use of this model could enhance the quality of research on university faculty members and the academic administration of colleges. (Author/MLW)

Describes the use of sample surveys in student affairs data collection. Discusses guidelines for planning, designing, and conducting research projects which employ survey methodology. Considers survey methodology, wording of questions, survey format, and sample size. (RC)

Procedures are discussed for collecting the conversational samples needed to conduct a topic assessment in the communication of adults with mild to moderate mental retardation. A framework for analyzing topic initiations, topic maintenance, and topic changes or disruptions is explained via transcripts illustrating various types of topic…