This article examines the utility of multi-matrix sampling as a technique in health education research that permits collection of large quantities of data without lengthy questionnaires or excessive time demands on respondents. Advantages and limitations of multi-matrix sampling are delineated through a hypothetical example. (Authors/CJ)

Evidence shows that evaluation practice is limited to direct support within training: little action takes place with other organizational units. Evaluation must have a significant role in the overall human resource function of an organization and must be a part of the planning function. (JOW)

Structured observation is a form of participant observation in which the observor/researcher tries not to impinge upon the social system while gathering data. Structured observation as a field methodology contains the following components: (1) problem selection; (2) preliminary investigation; (3) primary data collection; (4) secondary data…

Techniques for improving response rate on mail questionnaire surveys are discussed. (JD)

Presents eight assumptions to help people understand quantification not only as it is traditionally approached--as a method of measuring reality--but also as a method of shaping reality. The categories we use in creating statistics change the way we perceive the world. (Author/IRT)

The Cuban Behavioral Identity Questionnaire is a short, eight-item questionnaire answerable in a seven-point Likert-scale format. It inquires as to the frequency with which respondents engage in several ethnic behaviors and the degree to which they are familiar with Cuban idiomatic expressions and Cuban artists/musicians. (Author/NQ)

Relying on federal legislation to ease data burdens will only slow the growth of the problem. Educators can seize the initiative by improving the internal capabilities of their agencies and by promoting more careful deliberation within the external processes that generate the demands. (Author/IRT)

Data collection and analysis is often missing from the new curriculum reform textbooks. This article gives directions for data collection and data analysis for the Stroop Test and for a human-chain wrist experiment. (AIM)

Discusses how to define a welfare spell (period on welfare) and how well surveys measure welfare spells. A look at survey and administrative data from two studies shows that a substantial amount of administrative churning occurs in administrative data. A single definition of a welfare spell does not appear applicable to all respondents. (SLD)

Considers the legal response to terrorism following the September 11th attacks and questions whether American intelligence and law enforcement are positioned to protect the public in an effective manner. Highlights include the business of intelligence; the collection of information; use of technology; the need to improve information sharing; and…

Describes how proponents of a measure to limit the collection of racial data say the information is divisive and useless; opponents say the law would have adverse effects on college access and research. (EV)

Discusses mining Web data to draw conclusions about Web users and proposes a client-side monitoring system that supports flexible data collection and encompasses client-side applications beyond the Web browser to incorporate standard office productivity tools. Highlights include goals for client-side monitoring; framework for user monitoring,…

Responses from 20 of 22 Texas state government agencies using volunteers resulted in recommendations for volunteer management: standardize data collection, provide liability coverage, expand recognition programs, hire competent managers, support adequate infrastructure, replicate best practices, share best practices, encourage participation in…

Describes how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to help evaluators convey complex information simply through a spatial representation. Demonstrates how GIS can be used to plot change over time, including impact and outcome data gathered by primary data collection. (SLD)

Analyzes the role of data-driven decision making in incorporating the accountability of school counseling to improve educational systems. Discusses details of the forces converging to school counselor accountability, challenges in enforcing change, and methods that can be used by counselors in acquiring data to demonstrate counseling interventions…