Observational data were collected over a period of 120 school days from 11 elementary-level, self-contained, learning disabilities classrooms (N=105), using the Student Level Observation of Beginning Reading system. Findings indicate that reliable and unbiased observations of student behavior were obtained through the use of a single observer.…

Students at the University of Northern Iowa were provided with a meaningful experience in quality assurance through a term project resulting from a problem submitted by a local manufacturing plant. Students were given the responsibility of developing a quality control and inspection system that was actually installed in the plant. (SK)

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)

Argues that there has been a tendency to limit claims of generalizability to educational research studies which could demonstrate an appropriate use of sampling theory. The results of field studies based on precise consistent observation can be used to interpret more general social behavior. (AM)

The jackknife by groups and modifications of the jackknife by groups are used to estimate standard errors of rotated factor loadings for selected populations in common factor model maximum likelihood factor analysis. Simulations are performed in which t-statistics based upon these jackknife estimates of the standard errors are computed.…

Methods useful in identifying and assessing outcomes of relatively simple programs may not be practical or appropriate for complex programs and systems. Comparative case study methods are recommended for dealing with such global outcomes of planned organizational change. (Author)

A self-assessment study conducted by the American Association of University Women aimed to develop an in-depth profile of AAUW members in general and branch presidents in particular. A sampling method was used to make a valid reflection of the total membership. (MLW)

Ratings of social behavior and scores on the Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) were obtained for 33,685 infants, eight months of age. A composite measure of sociability correlated .23 with total MDI scores, .26 on the socially loaded items, and .17 with the nonsocial items. (Author/RH)

Discusses (1) the use of chi square significance tests in social science and educational literature; (2) chi square in relation to sample size; (3) field difficulties with chi square analysis as exemplified in Milwaukee County Juvenile Court data; and (4) alternative methods for using chi square in field research. (Author/GC)

The paper describes the small sample stability of least square estimates of variance components within the context of generalizability theory. Monte Carlo methods are used to generate data conforming to some selected multifacet generalizability designs to illustrate the sampling behavior of variance component estimates. (Author/CTM)

Reports discrepancies between published outcomes from two international tests of science achievement: (1) Second International Assessment of Educational Progress (IAEP) administered in 1991; and (2) Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) administered in 1995. States initial comparisons suggested outcome inconsistencies for 11…

Introduces a new technique for estimating the parameters of models with continuous latent data. To streamline presentation of this Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, the Rasch model is used. Also introduces a new sampling-based Bayesian technique, the DA-T-Gibbs sampler. (SLD)

This article describes methodological strategies, decisions, and issues that emerge when conducting qualitative research. In particular, topics such as situating the research design, sampling considerations, data collection methods, and the analytic and interpretive process are explored. Examples from published research are provided to illustrate…

Discusses some key statistical concepts in probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling to provide an overview for understanding the inference process. Suggests a statistical model constituting the basis of statistical inference and provides a brief review of the finite population descriptive inference and a quota sampling inferential theory.…

Used two experiments to assess extent to which introductory psychology students' self-selection into experiments produced biased samples. Students chose between apparently different experiments with different descriptions and between individual and group sign-up slots. Results demonstrated that students sorted themselves into experiments and into…