Describes two types of criterion-referenced testing that districts can use to measure achievement outcomes of their instructional programs: a random sampling assessment plan and an item-response theory assessment plan. (Author/JM)

A Monte Carlo experiment was used to evaluate four procedures for estimating the population squared cross-validity of a sample least squares regression equation. One estimator was particularly recommended. (Author/BH)

Investigators are urged to plan factor analytic studies prior to collecting the data, to formulate a hypothesized factor structure, to develop several relatively pure measures of each factor expected, and to select an appropriate sample of at least 200 cases. Continuous variables should be used rather than dichotomous variables. (Author)

Nonreturn of mail surveys was described in this paper in terms of selectivity bias, that is, the bias introduced in survey results due to respondents and nonrespondents differing in unmeasured and unmeasurable ways that might yield inconsistent population estimates. (CT)

Discusses a set of neuropsychodiagnostic rules proposed by Selz and Reitan. That study was found to be seriously limited on theoretical grounds and in terms of research methodology. Sampling problems were indicated, and issues of neurological integrity and learning disabilities were poorly conceptualized. (Author)

A major problem in social science research is that of successfully carrying out the random assignment of persons to experimental and control groups. In this study a computer-based random assignment procedure operated successfully on a weekly basis for 17 consecutive weeks in a program serving over 360 ex-offenders. (CTM)

Discusses differences in results of factor analyses of ten diverse samples which have been studied using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Concludes that a single common factor structure accounts for the intercorrelations among NBAS items. (Author/BH)

To clarify the findings of R. Gillett (1991) about the inequality of the means of test scores of minority and majority examinees, the standard errors of the quota-selected sample means and the sampling distribution of these means were studied through Monte Carlo simulation. Results explain that the quota selection inequality results from…

A review and meta-analysis were made of placebo control groups in educational experiments. In all, 125 studies were clustered into procedures that included (1) explicit manipulation of attentional elements; (2) explicit description of the placebo activity plus implied reference to attention; and (3) exclusive reference to the activity. (SLD)

Presents a method for teaching sampling that uses hypothetical, small-scale target populations. Suggests that this method can best introduce the basic concepts of sampling in the context of a concrete example. Uses actual data collected from the class in order to provide a hands-on experience. Notes some potential limitations of the approach. (KO)

An empirical sampling approach was used to assess the accuracy of a Taylor approximation for the estimation of sampling errors. The sampling errors were in the statistics involved in estimating a path model based on medium-sized samples gathered using five sample designs commonly used in educational research. (TJH)

The equating methods and sampling designs used in the empirical studies in this special issue on the use of matched samples for test equating are described. Four requisites for equating are listed, and the invariance of equating functions requisite is identified as the focus of this issue. (SLD)

Describes the algorithm used to select a simple random sample of certain size without having to list all possible samples and a justification based on Pascal's triangle. Provides testing results by various computers. (YP)

Describes a simulation of OCLC's TAPECON retrospective conversion service and its impact on an online catalog in a large university research library. The analysis includes results of Library of Congress Card Numbers, author/title, and title searches, and hit rates based on an analysis of OCLC and locally generated reports. (three references)…

Offers advice on how to conduct an opinion poll for student publications. Evaluates the process of formulating questions for a sample survey. (MS)