This article brings together recent developments in the methodological literature on case selection in multi-method research (MMR), design of process tracing studies and the relevance of temporality in the explanation of political processes. It presents an extension of set-theoretic MMR by introducing a comparative process tracing (CPT) framework…

Learning by repetition engages distinct cognitive strategies whose contributions are adjusted with experience. Early in learning, performance relies upon flexible, attentive strategies. With extended practice, inflexible, automatic strategies emerge. This transition is thought fundamental to habit formation and applies to human and animal…

Computerized classification tests (CCTs) often use sequential item selection which administers items according to maximizing psychometric information at a cut point demarcating passing and failing scores. This paper illustrates why this method of item selection leads to the overexposure of a significant number of items, and the performances of…

Two experiments were conducted to compare choices between sequences of reinforcers in pigeon (Experiment 1) and human (Experiment 2) subjects, using functionally analogous procedures. The subjects made pairwise choices among 3 sequence types, all of which provided the same overall reinforcement rate, but differed in their temporal patterning.…

This research study examined whether and how professional development can help teachers design sequences of instruction that lead to improved science learning. The efficacy of three professional development programs and a control condition was compared in a cluster randomized trial involving 53 middle school science teachers from a single school…

The subjects consisted of high and average ability high school students. Half selected their own task and half were assigned to a task based on their scores on Rotters's locus of control scale. Across all subjects, ability was found to be the only significant predictor of recall. (Author/BW)