Asserts that the emphasis on explaining individual differences in political orientations among preadults accounts for "the disappointing contribution of political socialization research to political understanding." Argues that "possessing an explicit model of democratic citizenship would provide greater political meaning to empirical data."…

An experiment is reported on the effects of a moral education program based on cognitive-developmental theory, at the high school level. Students were pre-tested and post-tested on Kohlberg's Moral Judgment Scale. (Editor)

Advocates that the Current Population Survey (CPS) be redesigned to permit valid longitudinal studies, that the CPS include questions to evaluate poverty programs, that a common sampling framework be designed for the CPS and operating agencies serving the poor to assure that links between CPS and other data can be established, and that samples of…

Intends to identify some of the problems associated with evaluation of a province-wide program, to describe how these problems were dealt with in the particular case under review, and to suggest how evaluators and their clients might approach problems of a similar nature. (Author/RK)

Focuses on selecting learning experiencing which allow students direct involvement in the discussion of issues most important to them. Reports research findings from a 1971 study of marital role expectations of high school students in a large Alberta city and outlines teaching strategies which utilize this data. (Author/RK)

Compared 26 large-group research grants (PO1) and 66 individual research grants on mental retardation, focusing on success rates, productivity, costs, impact, publications, and outcome. Results found no overwhelming evidence that one funding mechanism is more effective than the other; however, PO1s had a higher success rate. (Author/CR)

Monte Carlo methods were used to estimate the power of randomization tests used with single-case designs involving random assignment of treatments to phases. Simulations of two treatments and six phases showed an adequate level of power when effect sizes were large, phase lengths exceeded five, and autocorrelation was not negative. (SLD)

Discusses some uses of questionnaires and surveys in educational research. Describes different kinds of closed and open form questions, offers suggestions for finding questionnaires for use, and describes methods of data analysis. Includes practical suggestions for using questionnaires in the chemistry classroom. (PVD)

Presents the author's views concerning the nature of educational intervention in learning disabilities. Considers ethical issues, research design, and measurement of change. Discusses the barriers to conducting intervention studies and methods for dissemination of the research findings. (DB)

Describes quasi-experimental designs to be used as alternatives to randomized controlled trials in decisions concerning clinical practice and policy-making in the child mental health field. Highlights importance of taking a systems-level approach to evaluation, and describes ways in which qualitative outcomes measures can be used to sensitively…

Discusses a comparative analysis of the "biggest problems question" used in both the 1996 Annual Gallup Poll of Public Education and a 1996 Houston-area district's five-year, strategic-planning survey. Although both groups identified some common concerns (discipline, drug abuse, violence, crime, and gangs), national poll respondents…

Describes the Inquiry "I" which is designed as a learning tool for scientific inquiry. Explains the steps of prior knowledge, logical argument, experimental design, procedure, data collection, data transformation, results, and new knowledge. Uses guided and open inquiry approaches. (YDS)

This article discusses how a focus group of seven individuals with Down syndrome was used to explore experiences of going to the doctor. Obtaining consent and acknowledging the power differential between participants and researchers are highlighted as key challenges for those wishing to engage in disability research. (Contains references.)…

This article explores the gene-finding process for developmental speech disorders (DSDs), specifically disorders of articulation/phonology and stuttering. It reviews existing behavioral genetic studies of these phenotypes, discusses roadblocks that may impede the molecular study of DSDs, and reviews the findings of the small number of molecular…

Discusses intelligent learning environments for computer-based learning, such as agent-based learning environments, and their advantages over human-based instruction. Considers the effects of multiple agents; agents and research design; the use of Multiple Intelligent Mentors Instructing Collaboratively (MIMIC) for instructional design for…