Examines several possible difficulties in interpreting the results of studies which employ Piagetian tasks, especially conservation tasks, with older individuals. Notes that Piaget's clinical method allows more flexibility in the assessment of competence than do more quantifiable techniques. Examines the possibility of task misinterpretation by…

The ideal model for research on teacher effectiveness (RTE) specifies requirements including measures of outcome, teacher behavior, a study of classroom processes, as well as data collection procedures and analysis techniques. Specific topics of discussion relating to psychomotor learning include utilizing practice time, providing feedback, and…

The response-shift phenomenon is demonstrated in a typical classroom setting. Retrospective pre-ratings in self-report instruments are shown to yield more accurate estimates of pre-instruction knowledge than simple pre-ratings. (Author/CM)

Discusses library media research and provides specific guidelines to enable school media specialists to read research critically and to apply valuable research at the local level. A seven-item reference list is attached. (JL)

Attempts to clarify the epistemological basis of interaction analysis by exploring the modes of observation researchers adopt when using interaction coding schemes and outlining the validation requirements these options entail. Modes of observation include the viewpoint of the experiencer, the process of experiencing, and what is experienced. (JAC)

This article discusees various motives of educators who involve themselves in curriculum research, reviews seven research methodologies (including surveys, content analysis, and sociolocial studies), and applies John Elliot's sociological taxonomy of educational research to English language and literature curricula. (AM)

Investigated the influence of methodological variables on the performance of older adults. Contrary to expectation, communication performances with non-peers required less time and fewer utterances than with peers. The more distracting home setting required more attention cues to maintain partner attention than the laboratory setting. (Author/JAC)

Methods of successive relearning and of cross-sectional adjustment were investigated. With the first method, indefinite access to acquired information remained probable if retraining intervals did not exceed access intervals. The second method was used to investigate acquisition and maintenance of complex knowledge systems under ecologically…

Alerts researchers to the potential value and limitations of the gross flow data published in the Department of Labor's Current Population Survey (CPS). Reports on research which used CPS data to analyze patterns of teenage unemployment and labor force participation. (PR)

The author discusses major theories and developments over the last 30 years in three areas of developmental psychology: cognitive development, first language acquisition, and personality. He also comments briefly on methodology in the field. (SJL)

Reports on the state of research in nutrition communication, unmet goals in nutrition education, strategies for nutrition education and nutrition education research, and research design issues. Indicates that the field of communications offers theoretical perspectives for nutrition education research. (DS)

An income-specific economic impact model is presented that is applicable for analyzing local income generation and redistribution within a system of public higher education. The model is outlined and the results of its application to the State University of New York are reported. (Author/JMD)

Reviews the evolution of research on effective teaching in an effort to account for the lack of practical findings to assist classroom teachers. Four influences are detailed: teacher qualities vs the nature of teaching, lack of guiding theories/models, methodological problems, and the lack of criterion measures for comparisons. (RAO)

Critically examines a study reporting that children who had attended infant and preschool programs had significantly higher rates of meeting school requirements than did controls, and that IQ measures taken on the same subjects showed large initial gains which vanished five years after preschool completion. Includes rebuttal by original…

The method used to record intellectual transaction in the Science Teaching Observation Schedule (STOS) is examined in the light of the theory of sampling methods. Concludes that STOS cannot give reliable quantitative data. Questions usefulness of continued analysis of STOS data. (Author/DS)