A method for direct observation study of early peer-social and object directed behavior in humans was designed to articulate with techniques widely used in studies of social behavior of infra-human primates. Occurrence of behavior fitting the definitions of each of six categories of object behavior and nine categories of social behavior is noted…

Intraclass correlation reliability estimates are based on the assumption that the various measures are equivalent. Joreskog's (1970) general model for the analysis of covariance structures can be used to test the validity of this assumption. (For related document, see TM 002 301.) (Author)

This report describes the development and testing of a screening method designed to describe the Cornell Infant Nursery environment and infant activities in quantitative terms. The scanning procedure developed is basically a time-sampling way of collecting data on the normal operation of the nursery. Two long lists of variables (categories of…

A procedure was developed and evaluated for assessing the self-perceived educational needs of people as one input to the process of planning, approving, and implementing relevant educational programs. The method of data collection involved selecting samples of people by randomly selecting households in a given geographic area, and then contacting…

The P.E.P. Report 1969-1973 focuses on the various findings and activities of the Program Evaluation Project. The study in this chapter was designed to conduct a statistical analysis of the Goal Attainment Score, and estimate variance components due to choice of material in the followup guide, followup interviewer bias or error, and the client's…

Reports a study to determine reader reliability of a research brief scoring system used in having students abstract research articles published in professional journals. Reliability estimates were found to be of sufficient strength to justify use of the system (included in the appendix) for individual student grading. (JT)

A structure for the evaluation of all levels of educational personnel is presented. The six assumptions regarding the evaluation instrument which form the structure's rationale are listed. Two examples of its actual use are illustrated: evaluation of post secondary teachers and counselors. (Author/MV)

Since judgments of teaching and teachers should be distinguished, six arguments for using the students' opinions are reviewed and three counter-arguments are presented. It is shown that many previous validity studies are based upon a logical error and that none justifies the validity of students' opinions of teaching. Subjectivity may be the cause…

Issues in the debate over student evaluation of college faculty are discussed, including appropriate measures of teaching effectiveness, reasons for assessing teaching, reliability and validity of student ratings, and how assessments are conducted. Guidelines for implementing a system of regular, institutionwide evaluations are outlined. (MSE)

Compared with data from civilian institutions, data from two graduating classes at the United States Military Academy showed extrordinary stability of independently calculated grade point averages from freshman to senior years and no decline in the validity of Scholastic Aptitude Tests and high school class rank as predictors of these GPAs over…

Problems in current special education categorical research practices are discussed in terms of consistency and reliability, student heterogeneity, and lack of distinct categorical groups. Suggested changes include characteristic-oriented categorization, corresponding changes in dissemination of research findings, and greater specificity and…

The 1976 UNESCO International Standard Classification of Education is a step forward in describing and understanding the structure of higher education systems and their links with national economies, but some problems of classification, documentation, and standardization remain to be solved. (MSE)

In a long-term health intervention campaign, researchers tested the proposition that consistency among people's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is contingent on high levels of involvement with a given subject. (DF)

A current study of major changes in the behavioral science curriculum in a family practice residency is reported. The survey instrument appears to be highly reliable for assessing graduates' perspectives on specific aspects of residency training in the behavioral sciences. (MLW)

This essay addresses issue of uniformity or consistency in application of subject headings--as distinct from consistency among headings--to books on any given topic. Discussion covers purpose of subject headings or descriptors, reliability of choices made by catalogers when assigning subject headings, and card and online catalogs. (18 references)…