Difficulties often encountered in conducting surveys in educational technology are described, and some guidelines are suggested for the design and implementation of a survey instrument. (RAO)

Two potentially useful tests for homogeneity of variance--the jackknife test and the Box test--are described and compared. Recommendations for the use of these techniques and computational examples of each are provided. (Author/JKS)

An empirical sampling distribution of the statistic average trace (E'E) for various orders of A matrices was developed through a Monte Carlo approach. A method is presented which can be used as a guideline in determining whether factor structures obtained from two data sets are congruent. (Author/DEP)

Measurement error in dependent variables reduces the power of statistical tests to detect mean differences of specified magnitude. Procedures for determining power and sample size that consider the reliability of the dependent variable are discussed and illustrated. Methods for estimating reliability coefficients used in these procedures are…

This article presents an improved approximation formula for the problem of correcting correlation coefficients that arise from range-restricted distributions on either or both the independent and dependent variable. (BS)

Multiple matrix sampling (MMS) as a data collection strategy was examined, and rates of response from 307 public school principals in Virginia were compared when subgroups of items were administered versus an entire instrument. MMS was demonstrated as a viable and reasonable procedure when the mail questionnaire consists of a large number of pages…

Drawing a probability sample of homeless adults in Los Angeles' Skid Row resulted in a sampling design meeting statistical criteria. The design uses data from meal centers, bed counts, and outdoor congregations; and allows unbiased estimates of prevalence of mental disorders and assessment of service needs of the homeless. (TJH)

Describes a sampling strategy which involves linked pairs of persons used to obtain bereaved respondents for a study examining loss and coping responses following a recent natural disaster. The sampling procedure appeared not to produce an obvious bias and was very beneficial in meeting the research objectives. (Author/NRB)

Presents guidelines about how to conduct a public opinion poll and discusses such specific areas as the sample, the questionnaire, the interviewers, and the poll report. (DF)

Presents a cost-effective method developed to sample older Blacks by telephone using existing information from previous surveys. Asking Black adult respondents from a national survey and others in their households for referrals to parents or grandparents yielded approximately one older Black per Black respondent in the original survey. (JAC)

Author argued that the attempt to gather valid data to measure educational standards is bound to fail. (Editor/RK)

Matrix sampling of test items, the division of a set of items into different versions of a test form, is used by several large-scale testing programs. This Digest discusses nine categories of costs associated with matrix sampling. These categories are: (1) development costs; (2) materials costs; (3) administration costs; (4) educational costs; (5)…

In large multipurpose surveys, it is common to select the sample systematically proportional to some measure of size (PPS) that is correlated with an important variable of interest. Assuming the frame is sorted in a useful deterministic manner, systematic sample methodologies provide an additional control on the sample allocation, beyond the…

This paper reviews some of the principal methodological issues that arise in studying nonresident fathers using surveys, including sample frame, survey participation, and response error. The review focuses on issues involving divorced families. Results are highlighted from analyses of important national data sets and of local data sets that…