Research in science teacher education does not appear to have made very much difference in the ways preservice and inservice science teacher education is conducted or in the ways participating teachers teach. This paper illustrates and suggests possible explanations for this state of affairs, and indicates research alternatives which seem to hold…

This self-instructional package includes learning objectives, definitions, exercises, and feedback for learning some basic concepts and skills involved in using computers for analyzing data and understanding basic research terminology. Learning activities are divided into four sections: research and research hypotheses; variables, cases, and…

The suitability of single subject designs for research on coping skills training is discussed. Such training programs teach the individual an active skill for dealing with anxiety-provoking situations. Several research strategies are reviewed, with a discussion of their major assumptions and their potential for testing for generalized effects: (1)…

The popularity of using qualitative, or ethnographic, research methods to improve educational practices is increasing. However, an examination of how research findings are translated into policy is necessary to assess accurately the extent to which this goal can be realized. This paper assesses the efficiency of four strategies for increasing…

By employing meta-analysis procedures to build on the reviews of Horwitz and Peterson, specific effects of open education are quantified and related to school and student characteristics. From the 45 studies located in ERIC, the Education Index, and Horwitz's monograph, student, setting, and research design characteristics were coded. Twenty-three…

NEW DIRECTIONS FOR RESEARCH MAY MORE CLEARLY REVEAL THE NATURE OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AFFECTIVE VARIABLES AND INTELLECTUAL PERFORMANCE. ONE AFFECTIVE COMPONENT SHOULD NOT BE SINGLED OUT FOR MEASUREMENT. RATHER, A PATTERN OF DISPOSITIONS SHOULD BE DETERMINED AS A UNIT OF PREDICTION OF EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE. VARIOUS COPING STYLES SHOULD BE…

This paper presents two extensions of the full-rank multivariate linear model that are particularly useful in multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and repeated measurements designs. After a review of the basic full-rank model, an extension is described which allows restrictions of a more general nature. This model is useful in the…

A relationship between experimental and statistical controls is considered in an effort to show how this relationship affects the power of an experiment. Statistical rather than experimental controls are often used to reduce the effect of subjects at the extremes of individual difference. This results in attrition of actual experimental subjects.…

This paper focuses on theoretical and methodological problems in social psychological research on the culturally different. Major problems in using experimental approaches are discussed: (1) the reactive nature of the experiment; (2) selection bias; (3) experimenter bias; and (4) value and ethical problems. The field experiment and combined field…

The paper explains the design of a national survey which was intended to identify factors associated with variations in the properties and contents of individualized education programs (IEPs); provide descriptive information about the target population; the nature and setting in which special education services are provided to this population;…

One response to the large and rapidly growing number of legal cases with which nonlawyer researchers must deal is computerized legal data retrieval technology. LEXIS, an example of such technology, improves upon traditional research tools in two ways: it increases the speed with which researchers may discover relevant documents and, through its…

The problems inherent in analyzing data in which subjects are "nested" within hierarchical units (such as classrooms or schools), and thus are not independent of one another, are addressed through the use of Joreskog's LISREL model for analyzing covariance matrices. A solution to the problem is proposed and illustrated using data from…

ALTHOUGH IT IS ASSUMED THAT PLAY THERAPY IS BENEFICIAL TO CHILDREN, LITTLE RELEVANT RESEARCH DATA IS AVAILABLE CONCERNING THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF ITS EFFECTIVENESS. THE EXISTING PAUCITY OF RESEARCH INFORMATION CONCERNED WITH PLAYROOM BEHAVIOR IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO (1) THE INADEQUATE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF RELEVANT THEORY AND OF THE SITUATIONAL…

This five-year study gathered data on 174 prospective teachers through personality tests, self-evaluation forms, and sound films of student teaching behavior, and examined the effects of three kinds of psychological feedback on teacher preparation, personality, and behavior. Subjects were divided into four groups--one for control and three for…

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY WAS TO DETERMINE IF A HAWTHORNE EFFECT WERE PRESENT IN A 3-YEAR LONGITUDINAL STUDY WHICH COMPARED TWO METHODS OF TEACHING READING IN FIRST GRADE. THE INITIAL SUBJECTS WERE TWO TEACHERS AND FIVE FIRST-GRADE CLASSES OF RANDOMLY ASSIGNED STUDENTS WHO COMPOSED ONE EXPERIMENTAL, ONE CONTROL, AND THREE SUBCONTROL GROUPS.…