Advanced modeling of item response data through the item response theory (IRT) or item factor analysis frameworks is becoming increasingly popular. In the social and behavioral sciences, the underlying structure of tests/assessments is often multidimensional (i.e., more than 1 latent variable/construct is represented in the items). This review…

Handbooks denote representative authority, which gives their content normative value and through which editors and authors can emphasize certain views and orientations within a field. The representative authority of a handbook is reinforced in various ways, both obvious and subtle. The "SAGE Handbook of Curriculum and Instruction" is no exception…

Describes primary and supplemental textbooks on nonparametric statistics. Lists conceptual and applied articles using these techniques. Recommends using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-X) computer statistical analysis program. (CFR)

Discussion of CD-ROM titles available through the Depository Library Program of the U.S. Government Printing Office that are useful for research in the social sciences reviews 12 titles issued by the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, and Department of Health and Human Services.…

Analysis of six books on workplace change indicates (1) workplace data collection and social stratification measures must change; (2) definition of unemployment is becoming amorphous; (3) studies of gender/racial inequality should consider networking and recruitment issues; (4) disillusioned workers should be studied; and (5) political and social…

Discussion of microcomputer-based social science laboratories highlights a program for data analysis that was developed by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services (NSD) primarily for use in high schools. Four teaching packages are described that include data material and workbooks, and future packages under development are described. (LRW)

Describes a reference source for middle school students on biotechnology that is useful for science and social science curricula as well as interdisciplinary approaches. Explains the four-volume format and various features that make it useful to media specialists and students. (LRW)

Reviews 30 reference sources in all subject areas, except the sciences, that were published in 1992. Appropriateness for public, academic, or other type of library is given in each review. CD-ROM products are included in this annual list for the first time, and the competition between print and CD-ROM reference works is described in a sidebar.…

Reviews the following books on rhetoric and education: (1) Wayne Booth's anthology, "The Vocation of a Teacher: Rhetorical Occasions"; (2) Gerald Graff's "Professing Literature: An Institutional History"; and (3) "The Voice of Liberal Learning: Michael Oakeshott on Education," edited by Timothy Fuller. (JS)

Reviews a selection of recent scholarly and general reference works under the categories of Periodicals and Newspapers, Philosophy, Literature, Film and Radio, Art and Architecture, Music, Political Science, Women's Studies, and History. A brief summary of new editions of standard works is provided at the end of the articles. (AEF)

Developed to help educators locate computer software programs they may want to preview for students in K-12, this guide lists commercially available programs that have been favorably reviewed by members of the Educational Software Evaluation Consortium. Programs are listed alphabetically by title within curriculum areas: art; business education…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 37 outstanding reference sources published in 1993 for small to medium-sized public and academic libraries as selected by the American Library Association's Reference Services Committee. Categories include culture and civilization, biography, general, language and literature, nature, law, religion, technology,…

Developed to help educators locate microcomputer software programs they may want to preview for students in grades K-12, this guide lists commercially available instructional software programs that have been favorably reviewed by members of the Educational Software Evaluation Consortium. Programs are arranged alphabetically by title within…