This book is designed to introduce the use of the Rasch model in the social sciences at a level that requires a minimal understanding of statistics. It demonstrates how the Rasch model can be applied to a variety of social science problems and prepares readers to conduct and interpret their own analyses. (SLD)

This reader was designed to support the Open University Masters in Social Sciences program and as such includes an appendix of useful questions based on the texts used to stimulate seminar discussion. It offers insights into ethnographic research techniques and serves as a tool through which some limitations of conventional quantitative research…

The Jansen and Roskam (1986) approach to joining categories of graded responses presents valid arguments that are subject to empirical test. The multiplicative Poisson (MPM) model of D. Andrich can be seen as an approximation to the continuous response model of Muller (1987). An extension of the MPM is suggested. (SLD)

These further remarks on the nondichotomization of graded responses attempt to clarify the differences in perspective between the two previous articles. The special case of the multiplicative Poisson model reveals why the joining assumption and dichotomization are not, in general, properties of the unidimensional Rasch model. (SLD)

The major focus of this monograph is on statistical tools that aim to facilitate the description and explanation of social phenomena. The basics of data gathering are presented, and a number of major topics in data analysis are reviewed. A major contribution is the treatment of methodological issues. (SLD)

Review states that the book gives an examination of the null-hypothesis significance test procedure as an integral component of data analysis of quantitative research studies in the social sciences. It is designed for the nonmathematics student who will be doing empirical studies involving the testing of substantive hypotheses. (SLD)

Suggests that there is a tendency in social science and program evaluation to adhere to some methodological practices by force of custom rather than because of their reasoned applicability. These ideas include regression artifacts, random measurement error, and change or gain scores. (Author/SLD)

Agrees with L. Mohr that researchers are too quick to assume that measurement error is random, but disagrees that the idea of regression toward the mean has been a distraction and the notion that change scores analysis should be avoided in favor of regression analysis. (SLD)

Responds to C. S. Reichardt's discussion of regression artifacts, random measurement error, and change scores. Emphasizes that attention to regression artifacts in program evaluation is almost bound to be problematic and proposes some arguments in support of this position. (SLD)

The American Psychological Association (APA) has recently published the fifth edition of its "Publication Manual." This paper provides a brief overview of how this edition differs from previous editions and summarizes features of the new edition that will be likely to have an impact on social science research over the next several years.…

The reviewer praises the book as a good elementary introduction to theory and method in factor analysis as it applies to psychometrics and social science research. (TJH)

Poses questions stimulated by Professor Stanfield's essay that evaluators must ask to ensure the equity of evaluations. The questions include examinations of the effects of racism on understanding and action and how program outcomes and evaluative judgments are conditioned by racially shaped assumptions, presumptions, and politics. (SLD)

Discusses the inappropriate racial categorizations of minorities that have routinely infected evaluations and social research. By adhering to principles of democracy and including minorities as participants in dialogue, evaluators can avoid such damaging effects in their work. (Author/SLD)

Produced as a part of an evaluatic research study, this volume includes descriptions and critiques of 14 sets of economic education reviews print materials for teaching economics to grades 7-10 that were prepared by economists and middle school teachers. The materials for evaluation were selected by searching the Education Resources Information…

Reviews the 1989 report, "A Common Destiny: Blacks and American Society," which examines the anticipated and unanticipated consequences of initiatives since 1940 to improve the Blacks' social position. Criticizes the report for omitting evidence concerning racial differences in intelligence and criminal activity at the individual level. (FMW)