Explores factors perceived as contributing to the underuse of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in counseling, and examines options for enhancing the use of CAI as a counseling resource. Concludes that the development, validation, and ethical use of CAI by counselors offers the potential for achieving a better balance between remediation,…

Argues that usability research has particular relevance for enhancing the effectiveness of websites. Examines the nature and value of usability research, and the elements of an effective website based on usability principles. (SR)

Provides information on mental health of Mexican-American adolescents, with emphasis on prevalence of mental health disorders, service delivery, and utilization. Outlines agenda for research on this group. Topics include epidemiology of mental health disorders (stressing longitudinal studies, service delivery, and utilization); developmental…

Suggests why conceptual design is so often neglected by development teams. Presents a five-step process for developing a sound conceptual model for a software application. Describes how technical communicators can reinforce and support conceptual design in their projects. (SR)

Describes the Information SubTypes and Effects (ISTE) approach, which measures the relationship between the design of a document and the way users handle it. Positions the ISTE method within the broader context of usability testing. Describes its basic approach and some recent applications. Demonstrates that ISTE is a viable instrument for…

Describes various uses of audiocassettes from which the counselor and client can benefit. Uses include sharing information, providing a mirror to show clients how they come across to others, evaluating progress made in counseling, and developing new skills. (Author/ABB)

Based on data from two experiments, this article attempts to assess degree to which people differ in interpretations of questions referring to library services and the implications for interpreting survey results. Sources of error in questionnaire research--sampling, response (question interpretation, response decision, category choices)--are…

Reviews existing studies of use of formal care by families of Alzheimer's sufferers with special attention to findings relevant to access, particularly perceptions of appropriateness and acceptability or consistency with other needs and values. Applied conceptual model represented by these findings to narrative that serves as proxy for real case.…

This paper notes that, although most private health insurance is obtained through the workplace, important gaps remain in the present system of employment-related coverage. National survey data are presented which revealed that more than 9 million persons with employment experience were uninsured, who, with their uninsured dependents, accounted…

Studied the use of mental health services by enrolled populations, in order to establish a model or predictor of utilization. Primary focus of utilization data has been patient characteristics; organizational variables, such as plan design and benefit packages, are also shown to affect utilization. (LAB)

The high cost of providing medical care through Medicaid has prompted the federal government to examine ways to constrain costs. One experiment to limit Medicaid costs is Arizona's Health Care Cost Containment System, under which the state contracts with prepaid health plans to provide comprehensive medical care for a set monthly fee per patient.…

Reviews some research on the use of library catalogs in the light of four functions (finding list, gathering, collocating, and evaluative); suggests that access points for each work be increased and that problems involved in entry choice be analyzed further. A list of references is included. (FM)

The National Center for Health Services Research and Health Care Technology Assessment conducted a study to examine how Americans use health care services and to determine national patterns of health expenditures and insurance coverage. Data were obtained from the National Medical Care Expenditure Survey interviews conducted with 14,000 randomly…

This report presents findings from a national survey on the extent of microcomputer use in elementary and secondary schools. The survey results indicate that: (1) in half of the schools with microcomputers, only one or two are regular users; (2) many teachers have become more than mere computer users and spend much time on programing; (3) in…

The main responsibility of the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the National Centers for Health and Education Statistics is to collect, process, analyze, and disseminate statistical data on the economic, physical, and social characteristics of the United States. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, the federal…