The fan effect (the difficulty in retrieving any one fact after learning many about a concept) occurs only when the facts with repeated concepts are stored as independent episodes. It tells us nothing about the code formed by a pattern of interconnected concepts. (Author/CP)

A model for research on teacher effects in which the variance in student outcome post-test performance is attributed to pre-test perfomance; to separate construct domains of student, instructional, and teacher variables; and to interactions between variables in these three construct domains is presented and tested. (Author/JKS)

The internal validity of the RMC models, especially Model A, is examined. Concern centers on limiting evaluation to cognitive outcomes, using constant percentile as the no-treatment expectation, and using norms for one test to establish the expected no-treatment performance level for another test. (MH)

The inclusion of unmeasured variables in path analyses in educational research is discussed. The statistical basis for inclusion is presented, along with several examples. (JKS)

This is a critique of a study investigating the reliability and validity of objective measures of students' reactions to courses. (MK)

Evaluates two models of generational political research: the lineage model in which generations are defined in terms of biological succession within family units, and the cohort model, in which generations are defined in terms of the common and unique life experiences (and socialization) of individuals born and raised in a particular time period.…

This introductory article analyzes the challenges facing researchers as they respond to the ideas that guide family-centered services and incorporate these themes into research focused on improving services for children with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders. The fit between traditional mental health research and family centered services…

This article discusses alternative analyses that reflect the practical significance of test results and the role of sample size in the interpretation of results. It explores effect size reporting and using "what if" analyses to reflect on the role of sample size in the decision to accept the null hypothesis. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Points out that early childhood development research is fraught with questions about researchers' ability to understand the mind of the child and the feasibility of true collaboration with children in the research process. Delineates common complications in the research process and summarizes responses to a survey of early childhood researchers…

Reflects on how the author has contributed to improving social policy through research by asking good questions, using best methods, and seeing and taking advantage of opportunities. Specifically describes her research, especially relating to children and poverty, and focuses on the designing of research to inform social policy. (SD)

A meta-analysis of nine studies on psychotherapy with persons who have mental retardation found a wide range of research designs, types of interventions, and participants. The evaluation also pointed to a moderate degree of change in outcome measure and moderate effectiveness in terms of benefit to clients with mental retardation. (Contains…

This article contends that Nigrescence or Black racial identity theory often interacts with counseling research designs such that readers may underestimate the worth of, or misunderstand, such research. Methodological dilemmas resulting from interactions among theoretical formulations, environmental influences, and research participants' racial…

Reviews, analyzes, and critically assesses a sample of articles reporting research findings related to the instructional effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Problems in CAI research are described, including validity of the experimental research design, and current trends in CAI research are discussed. (31 references) (LRW)

Analysis of the process of educational television evaluation focuses on the Programme Evaluation Analysis Computer (PEAC) system. Highlights include affects of evaluation on learning; internal and external validity; variables in the evaluation model; formative evaluation; cognitive and affective objectives; and differences between general…

Discusses the past inadequacies and omissions of Asian American studies. Discusses the need to further the understanding of the Asian experience in the United States through critical scholarship, fresh perspectives, and new approaches to the study of Asian diaspora, such as exploring the international dimension. (JS)