The potential uses of microcomputers in evaluation research are discussed in this pamphlet. At the beginning, a matrix is provided showing the relationship between the steps in the evaluation research process and common types of computer software. Thereafter, the guide is organized sequentially around the evaluation research activities that are…

In criticizing the New York City Comptroller's Report on selected school systems in the United States, this analysis cites methodological errors in the design and execution of that work which, it is indicated here, invalidate many of the conclusions reached therein. According to this critique, the Comptroller's Report possessed a conceptually weak…

This seminar was designed for State Vocational Rehabilitation agency managers, who are not professional statisticians, to provide them with an awareness of some of the more easily constructed and useful tabulations of agency data. The 3-day seminar included 39 participants from seven states, Guam, and The Vocational Rehabilitation Administration.…

Presented are materials for evaluating vocational-occupational-technical higher education programs for handicapped students who are mainstreamed alongside non-handicapped students. Included are sample materials designed to implement the theory and principles discussed in a previous work on evaluating occupational programs for the handicapped. The…

Intended as a reference for the convenience of students in sampling, this monograph attempts to express relevant, introductory mathematics and probability in the context of sample surveys. Although some proofs are presented, the emphasis is more on exposition of mathematical language and concepts than on the mathematics per se and rigorous proofs.…

Since problems associated with the statistical methodology of educational research are becoming increasingly important, this paper examines a subset of problems associated with the analysis and interpretation of aggregated data. Two major questions arise: (1) if a researcher knows the level (e.g., individual, teacher/classroom, school, school…

Through utilization of effective sampling procedures, libraries may obtain substantial savings in terms of data collection costs. A theoretical statistical sampling model is presented and two types of random sampling techniques are empirically compared as to their effectiveness in estimating a library usage parameter. Implications are drawn for…

The technique of analysis of covariance is examined for its relevance to educational and psychological investigations. A study of the arithmetic procedures, history, and statistical properties shows that, though the concepts are relevant to many data collection designs, the customary calculations are often inappropriate. Some suggestions are made…

Details the development and system design of a computer-based instruction (CBI) program designed to provide tutorial training in diet modification as part of renal therapy and provides the results of a study that compared the effectiveness of the CBI program with the traditional lecture/laboratory method. (EAO)

The Introductory Sociology Survey (ISS) is designed to teach introductory students basic skills in developing causal arguments and in using a computerized statistical package to analyze survey data. Students are given codebooks for survey data and asked to write a brief paper predicting the relationship between at least two variables. (Author)

The effects of certain characteristics (e.g., sample design) of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data on statistical analysis techniques are considered. Ignoring special features of NAEP data and proceeding with a standard analysis can produce inferences that underestimate the true variability and overestimate the true degrees of…

Audio-cueing (prompting) is an effective intervention strategy to improve selected teaching behaviors (positive behavior feedback; positive specific skill feedback). The subject of the study was an experienced male elementary (K-8) physical education specialist. Post-checks revealed positive skill feedback improvement was sustained after 6 months,…

A longitudinal multimethod intervention project studying the relationship between work stress and health combined qualitative and quantitative techniques such as semistructured individual and focus group interviews, field tests, and surveys. The multifaceted approach strengthened the research process and confidence in the outcomes of needs…

Although the field of statistics is receiving increasing recognition in the media and everyday life, concern continues about the quality of statistical education and statistical analysis and the application of statistical methods. This paper focuses on three areas of concern: (1) the quality of data, especially missing data; (2) the interpretation…

Educational practitioners tend to resist or avoid doing educational research primarily for two reasons: their prior experience with statistics, computers, and research design has produced insecurity and anxiety; and, they have acquired a basic misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of research. Good research should be both technically sound…