Describes a list of characteristics of significant research compiled by the Association for Business Communication think-tank participants. Presents a preliminary analysis of the list. Discusses frequently occurring words and their contextual interpretation. (SR)

A generalized variance criterion is used for sequential sampling in the two-parameter item response theory model. Some principles are offered to enable the researcher to select the best sampling design for efficient estimation of item parameters. Topics include the choice of an optimality criterion, two-stage designs, and sequential designs. (SLD)

The algorithm developed by B. A. Schneider (1980) for analysis of paired comparisons of psychological intervals is replaced by one proposed by R. M. Johnson. Monte Carlo simulations of pairwise dissimilarities and pairwise conjoint effects show that Johnson's algorithm can provide good metric recovery. (SLD)

Discusses shortcomings in research on child maltreatment, including a lack of sensitive differentiation across types of child maltreatment, and a lack of attention to differences resulting from perpetrator gender. Provides corrective recommendations and describes a new approach that enhances research sensitivity. (MM)

Issues related to designing educational indicators with comparisons among similar places are presented, using examples from indicators of school and district performance used by different states. As an illustration, alternative strategies are applied to calculate indicators of state high school graduation rates. (SLD)

Addresses strategies needed in using longitudinal data on psychopathology to test cause-and-effect relationships, including natural experiments, testing of competing hypotheses on mechanisms, study of reversal effects, multiple replications in different circumstances, use of designs to dissociate possible mechanisms, testing for dose-response…

Notes that continuing progress in developing empirical information on different facets of long-term care service use has been possible because of improvements in design of data sets. Highlights some observations about progress in development of long-term care data and relationship between policy questions in long-term care and design of relevant…

Discusses procedures and considerations involved with secondary analyses of longitudinal databases. Procedures involve (1) formulating questions; (2) creating a feasibility matrix; (3) reformulating questions; (4) creating derived variables; (5) performing data reduction; (6) analyzing data; and (7) interpreting results. Problems associated with…

Reviewed 319 doctoral theses in educational administration completed at the University of Alberta between 1958 and 1990. The proportion of descriptive studies increased whereas the proportion of relational studies declined. The proportion of studies using case study strategies, interviews, and multiple methods of data collection also increased.…

A method is presented for determining the optimal number of conditions to use in measurement designs when resource constraints are imposed. The method is illustrated using a multivariate two-facet design, and extensions to other designs are discussed. (SLD)

Beginning educational researchers are advised to do the following: (1) choose a research focus with reference to events in the real world of education; (2) augment research with products and services to bring about improvements in educational practice; and (3) find an honest critic to review research work. (SLD)

The author encourages colleagues to engage in action and classroom research as part of teaching. (CNP)

The authors of a study reported in EC 605 442, which indicated long-term gains for children with autism who experienced intensive behavioral intervention as preschoolers, describe study replication efforts and reply to criticisms raised in commentaries in EC 605 443-447. (JDD)

Uses a study of a network newcomer to highlight some of the decisions that networked communication researchers face in developing a sound study. (RS)

After a brief review of the contributions of factor analysis and regional analysis to the elaboration of the structures of spatial abilities, a facet design and regional model for spatial abilities are presented. A cylindrical-wedge model is proposed to represent the correlational structure of spatial ability tests. (SLD)