The author suggests procedures to standardize the process of calculating dropout rates and to improve the validity and reliability of data on dropouts. (MT)

Since reading is the academic area for which most children are referred to school psychologists, further exploration of the implications of the National Reading Panel data may be warranted. Effect size data for reading outcome measures were qualitatively interpreted, with none of the posttest effect sizes, and only one-third of all of the effect…

A convention commonly used to describe interaction effects within moderated regression frameworks was examined through logical exposition and a Monte Carlo approach to simulate various moderator conditions. Results, which indicate that the convention may lead to incorrect inferences, are discussed in terms of interpreting moderator effects. (SLD)

Describes the Clinic Case, a writing case designed to teach students how to revise an analytical report based on survey data. Notes that this case is a useful tool to help technical and business writing students learn the necessity of using their experiences to give meaning to numerical data. (MM)

Addresses concerns about the trustworthiness of research results derived from image-based data, particularly questions of validity assessment. Compares examples of such research to provide an illustration of these issues. Presents a tentative strategy for ensuring trustworthiness based on five criteria: completeness, interpretive adequacy,…

Introduces an activity designed to develop statistical concepts such as the distribution for a set of data, various interpretations of the mean for a set of data, the limitation of the mean for distinguishing distributions, variation in data, variation in data from the mean, and the MAD as a measure of variation in data from the mean. (ASK)

Explores the development of elementary school students' (n=88) understanding of comparing two datasets through the responses of students in individual interview settings. Strategies observed within the developmental cycles were visual, numerical, or a combination of the two. Contains 26 references. (Author/ASK)

Responds to Biskin's comments (this issue) on the significance test controversy. Highlights areas of agreement (importance of replication evidence, importance of effect sizes) and disagreement (influence of sample size, evaluation of populations vs. samples, significance of Carver's article). Includes further recommendations for reporting research…

Explains how libraries can use data mining techniques for more effective data collection. Highlights include three phases: data selection and acquisition; data preparation and processing, including a discussion of the use of XML (extensible markup language); and data interpretation and integration, including database management systems. (LRW)

Focuses on representations and interpretations of data in tables. (ASK)

Describes a teacher's experiences with piloting a data-driven process called "precision teaching" which calls for students to be active participants in their learning. (ASK)

Presents responses to the problem appearing in the March, 2000 issue on data and graph interpretation. (ASK)

Structural equation mixture modeling (SEMM) integrates continuous and discrete latent variable models. Drawing on prior research on the relationships between continuous and discrete latent variable models, the authors identify 3 conditions that may lead to the estimation of spurious latent classes in SEMM: misspecification of the structural model,…

Five studies examined how interacting with the physical environment can support the development of fraction concepts. Nine-and 10-year-old children worked on fraction problems they could not complete mentally. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that manipulating physical pieces facilitated children's ability to develop an interpretation of fractions.…

Considers a problem of simple random walks to study distributions of variances. Describes watching a drunk over a period of nights, taking a number of steps per night. Explores the full probability distribution for the variance of the data string and discusses the connection of the results to the problem of data binning. (Author/NB)