A number of measurement and design issues that are critical to the use of multiple baseline procedures in evaluating instructional interventions with mentally retarded persons are highlighted. (For related information, see EC 122 157.) (Author/CL)

A computer analysis for a split plot design with unequal number of subjects in treatment groups is described. The technique presented is based on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). An example is worked out, and full documentation is presented. (Author/JKS)

G analysis is a data analytic method based on the G index of agreement. A generalized technique for the rotation of factors in G analysis in which marker variables are brought into alignment with their adjoining reference axis is presented. (Author/JKS)

Stochastic approximation is suggested as a useful technique in areas where individuals have a goal firmly in mind, but lack sufficient knowledge to design an efficient, more traditional experiment. One potential area of application for stochastic approximation is that of formative evaluation. (CTM)

The Combined Modified Design is presented to overcome problems of internal and external validity in the conduct of true experiments in longitudinal studies. It combines a modified version of the Randomized Invitation Design with the lottery longitudinal experimental field trial situation. (SLD)

Two broad classes of mixed-method designs--component and integrated--that have the potential to combine elements of different inquiry traditions are described. The conceptual ideas advanced in the first chapter are illustrated through selected examples of several mixed-method integrated models. (Author/SLD)

A pragmatic framework for making decisions about mixed-method designs is proposed and then applied to illustrative evaluation case studies to help identify the strengths and limitations of making practical, contextual, and consequential considerations a primary basis for evaluation design decisions. (Author)

Discusses ethical issues involved with person-based research. Discusses the ethical discourse embodied in the "Nuremberg Code," federal regulations, and the "Belmont Report." Discusses several specific issues in research ethics to illustrate how this discourse provides new ways of thinking about what must be done to treat…

Steps for conducting field research include generating the idea, finding sites, selling the idea, identifying longitudinal concerns, meeting human subject guidelines, motivating participants, obtaining good data, exerting control, creating ownership, handling conflict, and presenting results. (SK)

Suggests a starting place for formal inquiry into distance education. Topics covered include: background on educational research and research on distance education; research paradigms that are applicable to distance education; subsystems of a distance education program; and a matrix for conceptualizing distance education research. (MES)

This article illustrates a simplified time series analysis for use by the counseling researcher practitioner in single-case baseline plus intervention studies with a Bayesian probability analysis to integrate findings from replications. The C statistic is recommended as a primary analysis tool with particular relevance in the context of actual…

This article illustrates 2 follow-up procedures that can be used to examine multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) group differences: the univariate analysis of a linear composite variable and multivariate contrasts. A heuristic data set is used to demonstrate the procedures, and it is shown that the follow-up methods will not always yield…

Estimated statistical power for three randomization tests used with multiple-baseline designs using Monte Carlo methods. For an effect size of 0.5, none of the tests provided an adequate level of power, and for an effect size of 1.0, power was adequate for the Koehler-Levin test and the Marascuilo-Busk test only when the series length was long and…

Five focus group sessions involving 35 persons associated with Research for Better Schools had to initiate a needs assessment. Tapes and transcripts of the sessions were analyzed. Analyses support the value of the focus groups in providing input to the design of the needs assessment survey. (TJH)

Reviews Gordon and Shontz' (1990) article on Representative Case Research (RCR) with emphasis on its contributions to science and practice integration in helping professions. Raises RCR policy issues concerning potential for dual relationships and academic institution and service agency policies that could hamper RCR's widespread adoption.…