Scale construction is a common technique in the behavioral and social sciences. There are various techniques researchers use to construct a scale such as the use of focus groups or modifying existing scales. These techniques are not without their challenges. One technique that is not as well discussed in the social science literature is the use of…

Describes three methods of sample size determination, each having its use in investigation of social science problems: Attribute method; Continuous Variable method; Galtung's Cell Size method. Statistical generalization, benefits of cell size method (ease of use, trivariate analysis and trichotyomized variables), and choice of method are…

Relevance of sociological theory and methodology to research in librarianship is discussed, noting findings from citation analysis developed from bibliographic database search (type of work and number of citations; most frequently cited authors, journals, and books; and rank order of sociological journals cited). Twenty-two references and journals…

This research is based on a study of 19 interest groups in a four-year period of intensive activity, 1968-1972, in New York City. It is focused on the tactics of the interest groups operating in different arenas and on efforts to ascertain the effectiveness of these groups in reaching their goals. (Author/RK)

This research project estimated migrant and seasonal agricultural workers in four Midwestern States in 1988, using the Public Health Service's definitions of such workers. Researchers collected federal agricultural data and state reports on migrant education programs and crop patterns, and considered other potential data sources. Numerous…

A research study analyzed variables contributing to current ratings of graduate institutions. Findings show these variables in order of importance: extensive library holdings, economic resources, and faculty-student ratio. Private and southern institutions achieve less recognition in proportion to resources than do others. (AV)

Describes and discusses metanalysis and criticisms of the methodology. Reports on a pilot study which tested the feasibility of metanalytic methods in library science research using the literature on paper- or computer-based information retrieval. (28 references) (EA)

A research study examined change in the quantity of leisure participation attributable to conversion from a five to a four-day workweek. Change in quantity was defined as (1) frequency change or change in the amount of time devoted to leisure, (2) activity change or change in the number of different leisure activities pursued, and (3) perceptual…

The paper explores the differences in the relationship between educational background and income for black and white men in six different career areas. Previous research has assumed that the value of education is the same across all fields of work. In this study, the author analyzed educational and income data for 20,000 white men and 1,500 black…

This study investigated (1) whether girls express greater or lesser interest in certain social studies methodology and content than do boys, and (2) whether, in these areas, differences exist between junior and senior high school students. Conducted in Georgia in 1976, the study involved 391 students representing rural and suburban areas. On an…

Describes study in which high school students were confronted with an investment opportunity and had to decide whether to invest in a private good which returned profits to the individual or a public good which returned profits to the group. Results indicate that "free riders" in the public good group do not contribute to the deterioration of the…

An integrating framework to explain the research process was presented in the first edition of this book. This edition, which brings the material up to date, is designed to serve the Master s level student better while still meeting the needs of doctoral students of educational research. The nature of research, methods for qualitative and…

This volume, second in a series of seven reports of the Value of Children Project, discusses results of the survey in the Philippines. The study identifies major values and disvalues that Filipino parents attach to children. It also examines characteristics of parents that are related to values and disvalues. The document is presented in seven…

Evaluates the use of computerized tutorial support for elementary statistics instruction in five education and social work courses, both graduate and undergraduate. Pretests and posttests used to measure student attitudes toward statistics and toward computers are described, and preferred learning environments before and after the course are…

This project was part of the Portland High Impact Program and had as its goal a 60 percent reduction in burglary losses over a three-year period to be attained by installing centrally-monitored, silent, anti-intrusion devices in eleven schools. Comparison with eleven control schools indicates that the alarm system has demonstrated effectiveness in…