Problems and illustrations are presented from a meta-analysis of crime reduction programs. Eight criteria are specified for including studies in a meta-analysis, and some problematic studies are discussed using the criteria. Rules for handling problem studies in order to retain consistency throughout the analysis are discussed. (SLD)

Examines all the refereed papers accepted to journalism and mass communication conventions from 1987 to 1993. Finds that women are out-producing men on a per capita basis, with women (who constitute 28% of the organization's membership) producing nearly half of the refereed convention research. (SR)

Special educators reading research articles are urged to pay attention to how subject populations of children with disabilities are selected and described. Researchers are urged to disregard educational "categories" of children and to select subjects who demonstrate the variable under study. (DB)

Many college-level management and organizational behavior courses create and use small, ongoing student groups. Group work offers team members an opportunity to learn about small-group dynamics and development. Frequently, instructors' efforts to help students learn from their own experience is thwarted by students' reluctance to face up to group…

Procedures for implementing random assignment with trickle processing and ways they can be corrupted are described. A computerized method for implementing random assignment with trickle processing is presented as a desirable alternative in many situations and a way of protecting against threats to assignment validity. (SLD)

This paper discusses the legal and ethical duty of professionals working with children to recognize possible child abuse and report it to the appropriate authorities. Concerns about false or unnecessary reports are addressed, factors associated with the decision to report are examined, and indicators of possible abuse are reviewed. (JDD)

The use of three aspects of recommended practice (language use, replicability analyses, and reporting effect sizes) was studied in quantitative reports in "The Journal of Experimental Education" (JXE) for the academic years 1994-95 and 1995-96. Examples of both errors and desirable practices in the use and reporting of statistical…

This study describes how much and in what ways authors of research studies fail to include adequate information about data collection. Results based on analysis of 220 articles from 22 journals show that the quality of measurement reporting continues to be a problem. (SLD)

Explores feminist criticism of the "Publications Manual" of the American Psychological Association and the ways in which feminist researchers have negotiated changes in the language of this style guide. (SLD)

Provides a guide to writing research reports in geography and the environmental sciences. Outlines some of the reasons for writing research reports and then goes on to discuss general layout and content. Concludes with some comments on matters of presentation and written expression. (DSK)

Examines how metadiscourse is used to create a positive corporate image in 137 CEOs' letters, showing how CEOs use nonpropositional material to realize rational, credible, and affective appeals. Reveals the essentially rhetorical nature of CEOs' letters by comparing the frequency and distribution of metadiscourse in their letters and directors'…

Presents the National Association of Colleges and Employers annual report to the membership. Discusses the expansion of web-based resources, research efforts, and educational programs for engaging students in early career planning, recruiting graduates for entry-level positions and meeting professional challenges. (Author/GCP)

A study of 26 Canadian pediatricians explored their reluctance to adhere to a legal mandate to report suspected child abuse. While respondents were generally positive about their experience in filing a report, they were less positive about the dearth of feedback they received about their report. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Describes a study grading all 50 states on how well they deliver higher education. The study examined public and private colleges, and ranked states in five categories. Results were mixed, but no state received all As, and some had several poor grades. Every state received an incomplete in the area of student learning because researchers thought…

Critiques some of the strong positions taken by Bruce Thompson on a variety of methodological issues. Provides alternative views, and discusses the role of editorial policy in research reporting. Focuses on: (1) stepwise methods; (2) context specificity; (3) weights and structure coefficients; (4) reliability as a characteristic of scores and not…