Four new military training systems offer the opportunity for the application of cognitive science. They are the following: (1) a family of memorization games; (2) a simulator with a graphic, schematic student interface; (3) a system for solving problems of relative motion; and (4) a method of building cognitive skills for air-intercept control.…

In the process of fitting a quantitative synthesis model, the assumption of homogeneous effect size variation is assessed via omnibus test statistics. Graphical representations of data on techniques for teaching composition skills are used to help determine the extent to which sample estimates deviate from modeled population estimates. (TJH)

Proposes a four-stage, 16-phase synthesis to describe the counseling process. Rationale for the synthesis includes the need to (a) increase student counselors understanding of the process, (b) keep the number of phases within reason to increase use of the process, and (c) base the phases on client behaviors, particularly verbal behaviors, that…

The author presents a model experiential lesson for high school students, involving a concept, action, analysis, and synthesis. This model is designed to help in the transition from a reflexive learner to a purposeful student and allows students and teacher to be complementary, instead of competitive. (MT)

A holistic approach can direct the synthesis process so that the "big picture" is experienced by gifted students and meaningful integration of previously analyzed components can be accomplished. Holistic synthesis provides an alternative to traditional instruction, supplying the stepping stone to more effective problem solving in the social…

This paper highlights the relative strengths and weaknesses of the contemporary methods of research synthesis and proposes a multistage approach to research synthesis that draws on the strengths of each of these individual methods. In this approach, the decisions at every step of the synthesis process are guided by the nature of the data. The…

Perspective Text Analysis is a way to measure competence by measuring the strategy of synthesizing, which intelligence tests or questionnaires cannot measure. This paper proposes the use of Perspective Text Analysis in the study of instructional materials. Perspective Text Analysis has been applied in various learning environments, and the results…

Describes study in which 80 criteria of physician performance were collected from 205 Utah physicians. These criteria were then weighted by 3 techniques, analyzed, and then classified in terms of their importance and variability of their weights. Part of a larger study, "Measurement and Prediction of Physician Performance, supported by the U.S.…

Describes a study of reliability among coders of information for meta-analysis (a quantitative procedure for synthesizing data in primary research reports) of research on life satisfaction in American adults. Identifies sources and areas of disagreement among coders and discusses measures that can be used to enhance intercoder consistency.…

Most of the variance in educational effectiveness studies is inexplicable in terms of influences that can be measured and controlled. Nevertheless, it is still possible to design educational policy that will function well under conditions of uncertainty. (Author/RLV)

The viewpoints of contributors to the forum are reviewed. Many of the disagreements represent fundamental differences in what constitutes evaluation. All four authors agree that the formative/summative distinction is useful and will continue to be an important concept in program evaluation, although the distinction needs greater clarification.…

Case examples in the articles in this volume are analyzed in the mixed-method conceptual frameworks presented in the early chapters. The richer understanding derived from these approaches support the call to advance mixed-method inquiry beyond models and toward inquiry attributes that can be combined. (Author/SLD)