Visual analysis is examined as the dominant analytical method for single-case time series, in a study with 37 postgraduate research students which varied serial dependence, amount of random variability, and effect size. False alarm rates were high, but miss rates were low, indicating that visual analysts are not conservative judges, and serial…

Two papers respond to an article by P. Atkinson, S. Delamont, and M. Hammersley (1988) critiquing papers by E. Jacob (1987, 1988) on qualitative research traditions. The use of T. Kuhn's concept of "paradigm" and the criticism that the British were not included in the Jacob's study are addressed. (TJH)

A review and meta-analysis were made of placebo control groups in educational experiments. In all, 125 studies were clustered into procedures that included (1) explicit manipulation of attentional elements; (2) explicit description of the placebo activity plus implied reference to attention; and (3) exclusive reference to the activity. (SLD)

Explains the effects of self-monitoring and reinforcement on problem solving performance. Groups of 30 high self-monitors and 30 low self-monitors were divided randomly into cells which received either positive reinforcement or negative feedback, or served as the control. Finds a significant difference in general problem solving ability. (KO)

Presents an overview of introspective approaches to gaining insight into cognitive processing behavior and traces their application in classical psychology, cognitive psychology, second language learning, and reading. Considers the implications of these approaches for the study of the reading process. Posits criteria for designing process-oriented…

The equating methods and sampling designs used in the empirical studies in this special issue on the use of matched samples for test equating are described. Four requisites for equating are listed, and the invariance of equating functions requisite is identified as the focus of this issue. (SLD)

Discussed is the Taguchi method for reducing variance by experimental design. Some examples in quality control in Japan and America are presented. Some criticisms of the method are summarized. (YP)

Reviews the conceptualization, methodology, productivity, interpretation, and application of teaching research which focuses on the relation between classroom processes (teaching) and products (what students learn). (DE)

Argues that generalizing to message populations by treating messages as a random variable is inappropriate for complex messages, and proposes meta-analytic techniques for investigating biases in message samples and other methodological factors that can limit generalizability of communication research. (MS)

Reviews the book, "Within Our Reach: Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage," which takes a new look at research about and programs for disadvantaged young children and their parents. (BB)

This paper argues that inferential statistical analyses as part of group research designs do not provide the kinds of data that are useful in determining the efficacy of clinical intervention with individuals having communication disorders. Replication studies are seen as providing a more fruitful approach to ascertaining the efficacy of clinical…

Alternative tests are presented for the between-by-within interaction null hypothesis and for two within-subjects main effects null hypothesis in a split plot design. Estimated Type I error rates for the interaction tests and for several tests of the second null hypothesis are reported. (SLD)

Examines issues related to the design and interpretation of high-risk depression research, including the identification of symptoms and syndromes, categorical versus dimensional scales, aspects of depression to be considered, specificity of effects, use of process measures, and conceptualization of risk and resilience. (MDM)

This article reviews factorial surveys and highlights their utility in designing intervention programs. It then describes two instances in which factorial surveys were used to develop HIV/AIDS-related interventions. It is concluded that factorial surveys have great potential for designing intervention programs. (SLD)

This article discusses methodologic limitations of four observational study designs (ecologic, case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort) that dominate the child abuse and neglect literature and identifies key features of an "ideal" study of child maltreatment. It proposes a new mixed-design strategy, which improves ability to identify child…