Develops basic concepts of generalizability theory using hypothetical study of reliability of scores of vocational interest inventory. Asserts that generalizability theory makes it possible to consider all possible sources of unreliability simultaneously and to design optimal decision-making study. (NB)

Responds to Donald Dean Morley's reply (same issue). Discusses his claims about the use of multiple-message designs, the analysis of multiple-message designs, and generalization on logical grounds. (MS)

Fifteen studies of severe mental retardation in children are reviewed, from the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Quebec, and West Germany. For each study, the aims, definitions, subpopulations studied, case-finding methods, and findings are reported. Findings are then analyzed in terms of prevalence, etiology, service provision, and associated…

The effectiveness of knee braces in preventing knee injuries in football is inconclusive. This article reviews research from epidemiologic, cadaver, and surrogate studies; discusses reasons for conflicting study results, including research design problems; and describes alternative approaches that have been suggested. (IAH)

Focuses on child abuse and neglect within the United States. An etiology of child maltreatment is presented. Discusses areas that need to be explored with advanced research designs. (BB)

Responds to critique by Dometrius and Sigelman of Becker and Williams' model of ideal or random flow of people from preselection pool of applicants to postselection work force. Shows that critics' two claims are wrong, because they did not use relative measures of female representation in work force, and they base their modification of his model…

A research design for evaluation of environmental education centers by means of the case study method is explained. Validity, reliability, and some ethical principles when writing the report are also mentioned. An example is given of a pilot case study conducted by the author. (LZ/Author)

Simplicity and efficiency in design and estimation are all important in deciding on sampling strategies. A simple model is given and illustrated for four practical situations to show how a good sampling strategy should be selected. (Author)

Reviews the research on sampling for daily newspapers and explores various sampling techniques for weekly newspapers. Contrasts different sample types to assess their utility in representing weekly newspaper content. Uses five content measures and tests three sampling techniques: simple random sampling and two "constructed year" samples,…

Raises concerns about unexamined conceptual assumptions and over-generalizations of research findings in the comparative management area. Suggests two ways of combating these problems: collaboration and accounting for complexities of culture. (SR)

Discusses common beliefs and flaws in classroom research. Distinguishes among three kinds of empirical educational investigations. Suggests research designs which are considered to be sensible, selective, sound, sensitive, and simple. Describes designs using multiple classrooms for instructional-intervention experiments. (KS)

Review of research methodologies used in studies of online public access catalog (OPAC) users finds that a variety of research methodologies--e.g., surveys, transaction log analysis, interviews--have been used with varying degrees of expertise. It is concluded that poor research methodology resulting from limited training and resources limits the…

Discusses two approaches to data analysis in pretest-posttest research designs in which researcher has not formed groups based on pretest or used pretest information in assigning participants to groups, thus ruling out two-way analysis of variance. Describes use of repeated-measures analysis of variance and two-group analysis of covariance in…

Argues that a definition of interactional argument based primarily on disagreement should be rejected in favor of a more traditional definition based on reason giving. Argues that views of ordinary arguers need not be given priority over those of experts. (SR)

Rejects Robert Rowland and J. Kevin Barge's conclusion (in an article in the same issue) that defining argument as reason giving is superior to defining argument as disagreement. Maintains that defining argument as disagreement is appropriate for an interpretive argumentation theorist, and that argumentation is a complex topic with room for more…