Survey research in education is a popular quantitative research design and is used to determine opinions, attitudes, behavior, habits, and perceptions on a wide variety of topics. While many people are familiar with survey methods, it is often used in a 'quick and dirty' way to get information. This case aims to describe some of the challenges of…

This self-contained and self-instructional unit is intended for use by evaluation and development personnel and by students in introductory research and evaluation courses. The unit contains a discussion of the regression employing graphic illustrations with actual data. The user is introduced to the regression effect in the single group…

Computer generated data are used to show that Slinde and Linn's criticism of the usefulness of the Rasch model for equating (EJ 189 585) may have been the result of an artifact produced by the manner in which the samples were chosen in their study. (CTM)

Discusses the need for awareness of real and potential problems in educational evaluation approaches, kinds of problems there are with true experimental designs and with quasi-experimental designs, and the criteria applied by the Joint Dissemination Review Panel to its review of educational programs. (MF)

Twelve common errors which can invalidate an otherwise sound evaluation are identified, and ways to avoid them are presented. The hazards are: (1) grade-equivalent scores; (2) inappropriate statistical adjustments with nonequivalent control groups; (3) administering norm-referenced tests at inappropriate times of the school year; (4) inappropriate…

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I Evaluation and Reporting System is a method for giving a federally funded project in reading or math an overall score on its cognitive effectiveness. This System introduced the Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE) as an aid in aggregating Title I program scores across states and nationwide regardless of…

The focus of future Follow Through research should be oriented toward showing what can be done in order to offer information to both federal and local planners on which systems of curriculum design, classroom management, and parent involvement appear to be most effective. To assure this goal, the issues of program efficacy and implementation…