This study compared the levels and types of errors found in an existing card catalog and a newly created online catalog. It was found that the online catalog was more accurate and presented fewer problems for users. The implications for retrospective conversion and nonconverted records are discussed. (eight references) (CLB)

Combinations of five methods of equating test scores and two methods of selecting samples of students for equating were compared for accuracy, using data from the administration of the Scholastic Aptitude Test to more than 115,000 students. Implications for research and practice are discussed. (SLD)

Investigates the role of causal mechanism, sampling method, and sample size in causal reasoning of 216 sixth and ninth grade and college students. Subjects did not base judgments solely on covariation. Age differences were negligible when covariation was absent and striking when covariation was present. (RJC)

Launching an alumni survey requires consultation with many campus constituencies, thoughtful decisions about intent and content, careful planning of all operational procedures and proper promotion. Census surveys, telephone versus mail surveys, decisions on data entry, timelines, costs, publicizing, etc. are discussed. (MLW)

Discusses challenges to conducting research on effectiveness of community service systems that are family-based and school-centered: underidentification of children with emotional or behavioral disorders, lack of concordance between diagnostic criteria used in school versus mental health systems, problems of comorbidity, analysis of data from…

Type I error rate and power for the t test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, van der Waerden Normal Scores, and Welch-Aspin-Satterthwaite (W) test are compared for two simulated independent random samples from nonnormal distributions. Conditions under which the t test and W test are best to use are discussed. (SLD)

Focuses on rape prevalence research and examines the relationship between measurement methods and levels of rape detection. Weighs the relative threat to the validity of prevalence estimates posed by fabrication versus nondisclosure. Examines various methodological choices and their relationship to the magnitude of prevalence estimates. (JPS)

Application of the bootstrap method to complex psychological analysis is illustrated using a simulation experiment with two populations with small and large samples. The method provides variance estimates, allows testing of nested competing models, and gives a preliminary idea about parameter variability. (SLD)

A method is proposed for calculating the sample size needed to achieve acceptable statistical power with a given test. The minimally important difference significant (MIDS) criterion for sample size is explained and supported with recommendations for determining sample size. The MIDS criterion is computationally simple and easy to explain. (SLD)

Twelve trained observers were randomly assigned to one of two methods of data collection in scoring teacher-student interactions. Results indicated no overall difference in observer accuracy between momentary time sampling and continuous data collection when scoring behaviors that differed along the dimensions of frequency and predictability.…

Procedures are discussed for collecting the conversational samples needed to conduct a topic assessment in the communication of adults with mild to moderate mental retardation. A framework for analyzing topic initiations, topic maintenance, and topic changes or disruptions is explained via transcripts illustrating various types of topic…

A review of 208 studies of children with learning disabilities (LD) published in 10 major journals between 1988 and 1990 examined the extent to which recommendations concerning research design and reporting made in 1980 and 1984 have been implemented. The review found continuing problems, including imprecise subject descriptions, heterogeneous…

Describes a correlation method for calculating reference statistics using weekly door counts that was tested at the University of South Carolina while studying a sampling technique for collecting reference statistics. Results indicate this method may offer libraries an accurate and less time-consuming procedure for keeping reference statistics.…

Studied the sampling-probability hypothesis of cultural influence of H. Triandis by examining the relationship of cultural values and performance feedback referents to an individual's self-efficacy for 92 American, 66 mainland Chinese, and 70 Czech managers. Discusses results with regard to a general model of self-efficacy and culture in an…

This article describes the research methods used in the recruitment and analysis of a sample of 72 Puerto Rican mothers of a child with mental retardation. Emphasis is on the importance of involving the community in order to: (1) ensure that the community benefits, (2) strengthen the scientific integrity of the study, and (3) facilitate sample…