This review of the procedures involved in using path analysis provides guidelines for more effective future utilization of recursive path analysis in the field of family studies. (Author)

Discusses the capabilities of three qualitative television rating systems and possible application of resulting data by public television. (JMF)

Possible methods of student attrition research are the autopsy or retrospective study, the longitudinal study and the cross sectional study. The autopsy study is least valuable but can be effective when modified and combined with the other two, depending on the resources of the college. (JAC)

Glass and Smith's (EJ 207 324) conclusion supporting small class size may be true, but it is not supported by their evidence. Their analysis does not recognize intervening factors and varying class sizes. (CP)

Describes the elements required for a well-designed questionnaire, including appearance, question writing, organization, and cover letter. A checklist for effective questionnaire design is provided, as well as seven references. (BK)

Uncovers methodological, design, or questionnaire differences among surveys concerning youth labor force activity which may account for the discrepancies in employment and unemployment measures. (CT)

Characteristics of personality research were surveyed and compared with previous reports in an attempt to identify trends. Current research in personality was guided by microtheories and experimental research designs were more prevalent. Dissatisfaction with the current status of research and the proper focus of "personality" was partially…

A paradigm depicts research as a continuum along three major dimensions: utility--basic v applied; nature--theoretical v empirical; and causality--least v most experimental. (CP)

A correction procedure for estimating correlation coefficients when faced with the problem of a restricted range in the variables due to an explicit selection procedure was empirically investigated. Results indicated that the assumption of linearity is critical, but that homoscedasticity is less important. (JKS)

Repeated measures designs often involve dichotomization of a continuous variable in order to be amenable to the analysis of variance nature of such designs. An alternative to that approach wherein the independent variable is kept continuous is presented. (JKS)

Factor scale scores are sometimes used as weights to create composite variables representing the variables included in a factor analysis. If these composite variables are then used to predict some dependent variable, serious theoretical and methodological problems arise. This paper explores these problems and suggests strategies for circumventing…

Discusses social science research and policy decisions in terms of a closely scrutinized RAND Corporation project for the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Describes the design process of the RAND proposal for desegregation research and critiques the style of social science associated with technical and theoryless empiricism. (RH)

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of subjects reading passages from the novel, "Under the Ribs of Death," by John Marlyn, and then being asked role exchange questions. Subjects were pre-tested with a dogmatism scale and post-tested with a measure of empathy. No significant treatment or interaction effects were found.…

Encourages holistic viewpoint in scientific research, particularly in the integration of isolated, short-range projects into ecosystems studies. Discusses links of the ecosystem level of research with the social sciences, assessment of technological and environmental impact, establishment of economic values, and political thought. (CS)