This critique points out weaknesses regarding the test measures used by Munsinger and Douglass and questions the validity of these measures for the ages of the children used in their study. (JMB)

This paper suggests that, at present, a science of natural developmental processes does not exist because few studies are concerned with development as it transpires in naturalistic environments and because truly developmental data are not collected or analyzed. (Author/JMB)

Defines and discusses the concept of linearity in the design and conduct of research and suggests general considerations for dealing with the problem of linearity in naturalistic inquiry in speech communication studies. (MH)

Describes studies on the outcomes of psychiatric rehabilitation in terms of setting predominant focus of the intervention outcome measures and interventions used. Shows the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for decreased recidivism, increased time spent in the community, increased rates of employment and productivity, increased skill…

Described is a teaching method for chemistry that gives college students practice in experimental design. Students are given a problem and required to design a procedure to solve the problem. Problems increase in complexity as the students progress through the courses. (RH)

A new theory linking information extraction patterns to the visual perception of direction and extent is presented. Seven demonstration experiments employ predictions from efferent considerations to create a new set of illusions of direction and extent and to demonstrate new predictable variations in the magnitude of some classical illusion…

Presents a two-pronged attempt to synthesize the research on stress coping: (1) a review of models and taxonomies of behaviors and resources related to stress coping and (2) a meta-analysis of recent experimental and quasi-experimental studies of stress coping. A taxonomy and a model of stress coping are offered, and implications for treatment are…

Information that describes a program's implementation and client audience can help the evaluator tailor the study to the constraints of particular settings and increase the likelihood that the evaluation can be implemented as planned. (Author/BS)

Investigates sample size requirements needed to achieve various levels of statistical power using posttest-only, gain-score, and analysis of covariance designs in evaluating training interventions. Results indicate the power to detect true effects differ according to type of design, correlation between pre- and posttest, and size of effect due to…

Sets an agenda for improving instructional research conducted with classical quantitative experimental or quasi-experimental methodology. Includes guidelines regarding the role of a social perspective, adequate conceptual and operational definition, quality instrumentation, control of threats to internal and external validity, and the use of…

The educational system has not been particularly successful in teaching thinking skills. In order to do so, it is necessary to identify what thinking skills are and understand their development. Current research and design of future research are discussed, as is the problem of transfer. (MT)

Attempting to define curriculum inquiry, this study examines published reports of curriculum inquiry and classifies the problems studied, the methods used, and the solutions proposed. (MCG)

Explains the characteristics and importance of random assignment in experimental research on education. Considers factors supporting causal inferences, the nature of "assignment units," differences between random sampling and random assignment, the characteristics of randomization tests, forms of random assignment, and effects of experimental…

Describes elements to look for when reading four identifiable sections of a research report: background and literature review, methodology and procedures, analysis, findings or summary. Literature review as prologue to author's argument, choices in design of a study, research participants, choices involved in analysis, and implications of findings…