The relationship between departmental activities and the need for nonacademic staff and operating funds was analyzed using regression analysis. Support costs were broken into task categories and related to certain basic variables describing the composition and activity of the unit (e.g., number of staff and teaching load). The results were linked…

Offers a critique of Bergmann's paper on the methodology of economics (see SO516713). Comments on the relationship between methodology and theory, considers the extent to which methodological and measurement concepts should be taught in precollegiate coursework, and offers suggestions on how such teaching might be accomplished. (JDH)

States that Bergmann's paper (see SO516713) misses the point of suggesting improvements in the Joint Council's "Framework." Concludes that the present "Framework" is conceptually adequate but could be improved with additional treatment of how economists 1) establish the relationship between variables, and 2) define and use the…

Applied simple difference and regression methods for determining discrepancies between Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and achievement to second- and fifth-grade IQ, reading and math achievement scores. Simple difference discrepancies covaried with IQ and produced disproportionate ethnic representation for both grades in reading and for second graders…

Investigates the effect of state and federal grants on South Carolina local revenues for 1978 and 1982. Although local revenues are stimulated by federal aid, some of the latter is used for tax relief. (MLF)

Sex differences in performance on the Australian Scholastic Aptitude Test (ASAT) were investigated. No significant direct effect of sex on performance was found. Sex differences were found to be the result of females having a higher verbal ability, males studying more mathematics, and males having greater confidence in ASAT success. (LMO)

Budgetary controls that were imposed upon doctoral granting public universities by the states in which they are located were studied. A comparative analysis of financial control practices in each state is provided and a continuum of practices from states is developed. (Author/MLW)

Argues that rank order correlations may not be ubiquitously suitable for assessing the relations between children's behavior or characteristics at one age or in one situation, and those shown later or in another context. (HOD)

Describes a computerized system which presents objective test items to students, and upon question completion, provides immediate feedback with correct answers and explanations. Use of the system by pharmacology students and an analysis of end-of-year examination results are presented. (Author/MBR)

Reports on Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (Australia) efforts to establish library staffing standards by use of statistics on current library operations and comparison of figures for number of libraries. Research methodology, use of mathematical models, factor analysis and regression analysis, and measures of…

This study investigated cognitive style as a screening mechanism for placing students in gifted education programs. Middle school (n=156) and high school students (n=94) were included in this study. Slightly fewer than half of the students had been previously identified as academically gifted, while the remainder were from the regular studies…

Logistic and Cox regression methods are practical tools used to model the relationships between certain student learning outcomes and their relevant explanatory variables. The logistic regression model fits an S-shaped curve into a binary outcome with data points of zero and one. The Cox regression model allows investigators to study the duration…

Theorists have traditionally described motivation in terms of approach and avoidance tendencies. In contrast, goal orientation research has focused primarily on two approach goals: demonstrating ability (performance-approach) and developing ability (task). A scale to assess the goal of avoiding the demonstration of lack of ability…

The Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) offers a relatively new way to measure achievement in schools. Six content areas are tested in grades 3 and 5. The use of the MSPAP to differentiate among schools in terms of success was studied using data for the 775 Maryland elementary schools that were active in 1995. Test results for…

This document consists of the first 10 articles of volume 8 of the electronic journal "Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation" published in 2002-2003: (1) "Using Electronic Surveys: Advice from Survey Professionals" (David M. Shannon, Todd E. Johnson, Shelby Searcy, and Alan Lott); (2) "Four Assumptions of Multiple Regression That Researchers…