Some of the advantages of meta-analysis as a useful approach to synthesizing research studies are described, along with caveats that a careful analyst should consider when applying this approach to research data. (LC)

Multivariate generalizability techniques are used to bridge the gap between psychometric constraints and the tables of specifications needed in test development. Techniques are illustrated with results from the American College Testing Assessment Program. (Author/PN)

Several randomized response models for gathering self-report data when persons are asked sensitive questions are reviewed. A new general model for reducing error by asking questions conditional upon earlier answers is introduced. Hypothesis testing and confidence-interval procedures are demonstrated for data collected by the randomized response…

The use of mailed questionnaires in research on dental education is examined, and several factors that researchers should consider when reporting mailed questionnaire research to journal editors are identified. Examples from the "Journal of Dental Education" are used. (Author/MLW)

Issues of reliability and validity in ethnographic design are compared to their counterparts in experimental design. Threats to the credibility of ethnographic research are summarized and categorized. Strategies intended to enhance credibility (study design, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of findings) are incorporated throughout…

Tested the hypothesis that the inverse relationship between marital happiness and disruption will be strong under conditions of high marital alternatives and weak under conditions of low marital alternatives. Used micro data from a sample of 400 White, urban, American couples. Found no support for the hypothesis. (Author/RC)

This second of two parts (part one presented in the November-December issue) continues a discussion of a BASIC program on computer arrays. Individual lines for organizing and retrieving data from the computer's memory are discussed. (JN)

The Journal of Counseling Psychology for 1970-1979 was searched, and values of n (analysis of variance) were computed on each univariate inferential statistic reported. Frequency distributions compiled for the values of n2 revealed that the median strength of association value for research reported was .0830. (Author)

To test the use of Bayes's theorem to adjust for nonresponse bias, 600 hospitals were used in a simulated sample survey. On the basis of known information on five variables, Bayes's formula correctly predicted the status of 92 of the 100 "nonrespondents" relative to a sixth variable. (Author/BW)

Studies the attitudinal consequences of fear and victimization by focusing on the degree people of different ages express approval of violent behavior. Results indicate the experience of victimization socializes individuals to a view of violence as constituting an effective strategy for resolving interpersonal conflict, especially respondents…

The article demonstrates that use of meta-analysis on studies investigating the effectiveness of psycholingistic training with handicapped children results in nonvalidation of the training--a conclusion which contradicts results reported earlier by K. Kavale. (SW)

Professional evaluators are often called upon to analyze data produced by a catastrophically inadequate evaluation design. A remedial strategy involving diagnosis of error, application of a corrective procedure and sensitization of program personnel of the need for a more sophisticated stance, is proposed and illustrated with a case study.…

Considers the distinction between voluntary and involuntary unemployment by analyzing six behavioral characteristics attributed to groups of workers suspected of indulging in the former, and the labor market mechanisms supposedly encouraging them. (Author/CT)

Discusses problems often encountered in oral history interviews including absence of rules, authority, and training; little comprehension of the deeper meaning of words; and failure to consider the true meaning and purposes of oral interviews. Information is also presented on definition of oral history, approaches to problems,…

Examines data from California from the 1850 opening of the prison system to 1970. Finds no evidence to support the hypothesis that, for a given society over time and in the absence of major societal upheaval, the proportion of people subjected to punishment by the state closely approximates a constant. (Author/GC)