Discusses issues involved with selecting a methodology and data analysis technique for studying divergent views of the family. Qualitative and quantitative methods, and linear and nonlinear models, are described. Statistical and theoretical issues regarding the use of discrepancy scores are examined. (BC)

A study used a multivariate approach to assessing college departmental excellence. Factor analysis identified three potentially useful factor clusters ("faculty research,""input," and "student") and seven indicators based on those clusters. Indicators combining faculty research and input and combining all three clusters were found to be the best…

Compared sociometric and behavioral measures of two-year (kindergarten to grade two, or grade one to grade two) and 1-year (kindergarten-only or grade-one-only) rejected children. Concluded that it was possible to identify at-risk, two-year rejected children as early as kindergarten by means of combined sociometric and behavioral data. (GLR)

Meta-analysis of 225 hypothesis tests of measures of memory for order (MFO) and the relationship of MFO and measures of general ability demonstrate a significant relationship between MFO and standardized test scores. Fifty-one independent samples were tested. MFO task quality was a significant predictor of effect size. (SLD)

This study compared the phonological awareness ability of 11 children (ages 6-8) with persistent phonological impairment to that of 11 phonologically normal children. Phonologically normal children scored higher on three of the four phonological awareness measures, with no differences on word recognition. Speech intelligibility was a significant…

Using discriminant analysis, a study examined (1) the extent to which the new Student Adjustment to College Questionnaire (SACQ) accurately predicts student departure for a private, comprehensive university (n=1,978 students); (2) SACQ items distinguishing nonpersisters; (3) use with an incoming class; and (4) evidence linking the SACQ with…

A study of students formerly enrolled (n=198) and currently enrolled (n=282) in an undergraduate engineering program found that students' present characteristics and situations were more predictive of persistence than past or future factors; and few differences between men and women emerged. The best overall predictor of persistence was grade…

Assessed the relationship between social adjustment and perceptions of both family acceptance and family control in two samples of young adolescents. One group completed, among other measures, self-reports of psychosocial competence and self-regulation, whereas the second group completed peer ratings of likability. In both samples, family…

Results from a standardized parent questionnaire were combined with results of an individually administered developmental screening instrument (the Early Screening Inventory) to predict more accurately which young children (n=1,296) will be at risk for school failure. Results showed the combined approach led to fewer misclassifications, thus…

Examined multiple prenatal antecedents and postnatal correlates of change in marital adjustment and satisfaction in 102 couples from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. Fathers' caregiving, play, and affiliative behaviors were the most powerful, positive predictors for adjustment in both spouses. Additional positive predictors for women were…

Investigated the relationship between selected family factors and quality of children's home environment, and their predictive value for cognitive competence. Results indicated a positive relationship between mothers' education, fathers' occupation, and mothers' work satisfaction and quality of home environment. Quality of home environment related…

Examined the relations between emotion and facial expressions of emotion in 8- to 12-year-old male psychiatric patients. Results indicated that patterns or combinations of emotion experiences had an impact on facial expressions of emotion. (Author/BB)

Measures of career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE), occupational self-efficacy, locus of control, and career salience and indecision were administered to 203 female and 204 male college students. CDMSE was found to be the only significant predictor of vocational indecision. No relationship was observed between CDMSE and career salience nor…

Literature on social responsibility and academic achievement is reviewed. It is suggested that socially responsible behavior can influence achievement by (1) promoting positive interactions with teachers and peers; and (2) constraining and enhancing the learning process by encouraging students to be compliant and responsible. (SLD)

Examines the problem of high attrition rates after the introductory compulsory year for students studying languages other than English (LOTEs) in Australian high schools. A quantitative study is described that determined students' intentions to continue with language studies in the following year. Implications for LOTE teaching are discussed. (51…