Investigated the application of fuzzy graphic rating scale to measurement of preferences for occupational sex type, prestige, and interests using Gottfredson's concept of occupational social space. Reported reliability and validity data with illustrative examples of respondents' interpretations of their own fuzzy ratings. Outlined counseling and…

Multi-element research designs (alternating treatments or simultaneous treatments) are capable of revealing when sequence effects operate, but even more valuably, they can be used to assess the effects of potential multiple treatment interference and to study contextual interactions other than sequence effects. (JDD)

The superiority of multiwave designs over two-wave designs in the measurement of individual growth and change is explored by examining the increase in reliability afforded by collecting additional waves of data. Results are discussed in terms of the impact on longitudinal studies of individual change. (SLD)

A recent study of academic programs in human resources development (HRD) produced the following profile of the academic researcher in HRD: male, in the field of education, graduate student or professor, focusing on training and development, doing unfunded research, method of research is descriptive rather than experimental. (JOW)

Large-sample standard errors of linear equating for the counterbalanced design are derived using the general delta method. Computer simulations found that standard errors derived without the normality assumption were more accurate than those derived with the normality assumption in a large sample with moderately skewed score distributions. (SLD)

Three analyses of pretest and posttest data are considered: (1) posttest only designs; (2) two-way repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA); and (3) one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Conditions that ensure legitimacy of inferences about the equality of treatment effects on the latent variable theta are discussed. (SLD)

A Monte Carlo study considers the use of meta analysis with the Solomon four-group design. Experiment-wise Type I error properties and the relative power properties of Stouffer's Z in the Solomon four-group design are explored. Obstacles to conducting meta analysis in the Solomon design are discussed. (SLD)

A methodology is presented for minimizing the mean error variance-covariance component in studies with resource constraints. The method is illustrated using a one-facet multivariate design. Extensions to other designs are discussed. (SLD)

Challenges many of the specific ideas and actions discussed in J. Myers's "The Social Contexts of School and Personal Literacy," published in this journal (volume 27, pages 297-333). Argues that the investigator appeared to be the sole source through all analyses, many assumptions were either internally of externally inconsistent, and the effects…

Examines the link between social skill and dysphoria. Finds three factors that help explain inconsistent results in the literature: conceptualization of social skill, perspective from which social skill is assessed, and situational outcome. Shows that the link between social skill and dysphoria is complex and affected by the three factors. (SR)

The field of gifted education lags behind other veins of educational research in utilization of the array of available research approaches. The dominance of the positivistic model is evidenced in realizing that all other research approaches (constructivism, critical theory, qualitative approaches) account for less than one-third of total research…

The authors of research on transition from special education respond to Robin Jackson's review article criticizing their work; deny that their research was subject to external pressure by the Scottish Office Education Department, which funded the research; and respond to several of Jackson's points as misrepresenting or misinterpreting the…

Used empirical example of longitudinal experimental prevention study with two groups to illustrate use of structural equation modeling, first, to systematically test measurement invariance across groups at each wave of measurement, and second, after establishing measurement invariance, to test structural invariance longitudinally. (Author/NB)

The new concept of research on teaching includes such methods as storytelling, narrative, and autobiography, relies on language and dialog, and affirms the centrality and wisdom of teachers. Teachers are able to express their views in their own language, and their knowledge and expertise are respected. (SK)

This poem, with stanzas in limerick form, refers humorously to the many threats to validity posed by problems in research design, including problems of sample selection, data collection, and data analysis. (SLD)