Over the last decade emphasis has shifted from theoretically based models of practice to empirically based models whose elements are derived from clinical research. These models are defined and a developing model of practice through the use of single-case methodology is examined. Potential impediments to this new role are identified. (Author/BL)

Describes problems in implementing placebo controls in psychotherapy including the difficulty of ensuring that therapists and their patients will view both the experimental and placebo treatments as comparably credible. Considers six research issues stemming from the definitional requirement that the placebo control for the critical and specific…

Considers multiple design issues and strategies raised by comparative outcome studies including the conceptualization, implementation, and evaluation of alternative treatments; assessment of treatment-specific processes and outcomes; and evaluation of the results. (Author/BL)

Author responds to critique by Daniel Griffiths (Educational Administration Quarterly v. 19, p. 201-21) by defending his work in three areas: derivation of hypotheses, testing of hypotheses, and erroneous attribution of assumptions. (JW)

Suggests a framework for structured observation using a psychosocial approach to describe work styles, differences in performance, and outcomes of behavior patterns. (JW)

The need for replication studies is discussed. A statistical procedure is explained for pooling the probabilities of a series of independent studies testing the same hypothesis. (DT)

This paper examines the differences between multilevel modeling and weighted ordinary least squares (OLS) regression for analyzing data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study 1988 (NELS:88). The final sample consisted of 718 students in 298 schools. Eighteen variables from the NELS:88 dataset were used, with the dependent variable being…

Creating a survey that asks the right questions at a level appropriate for the intended audience is a difficult task. This guide is designed to support educators who want to be confident that the data they gather will be useful. The guide is organized according to the developmental steps in creating a survey. Individual chapters correspond to the…

Suggests a possible research strategy for ensuring successful follow-up of respondents in longitudinal surveys. (TO)

Response to article PS 502 099. (MB)

The study concludes that the majority of research is focused on the diagnostic, descriptive, and psychometric problems of clinical psychology and not on decision making and treatment problems. (Author)

Recommends criteria related to statement of problem and hypotheses, choice of design, control of variables, analysis of data, and reporting of conclusions and implications in research studies. Bibliography. (MD)