Randomization should be employed whenever possible but the use of carefully controlled nonrandomized data to estimate causal effects is a reasonable and necessary procedure in many cases. (Author/BJG)

The introductory discussion focuses on the change in the current scientific climate regarding the role of heredity in the etiology of behavioral disorders. The author and his colleagues embarked on a series of studies, using naturally occurring adoptions as their subject source, to tease apart hereditary and environmental factors thought to be…

Demonstrates the falsity of the notion that sequential strategies permit the separation of age, cohort, and time-of-measurement contributions to developmental change. (JMB)

The importance of a sound philosophical basis for empirical research in education is promoted. The need for a satisfactorily articulated nucleus of key concepts in education is emphasized, and criteria for satisfactory conceptualization are suggested. (TJH)

Identifies six categories of design and methodological errors contained in the 39 empirical studies of neurolinguistic programming (NLP) documented through April 1984. Representative reports reflecting each category are discussed. Suggestions are offered for improving the quality of research on NLP. (Author/MCF)

Introduces the process by which Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) review proposals for research involving human subjects. Describes the composition of IRBs. Presents the Nuremberg code, the elements of informed consent, the judging criteria for proposals, and a sample protocol format. References newly published regulations governing research with…

Suggests that evaluation research is relatively and, unfortunately, atheoretical in approach. The incorporation of empiricism is a philosophical and methodological strategy for evaluation research. As the functions of theory have defined the growth and utility of science, it will characterize the growth and usefulness of evaluation research. (JAC)

Generalized symmetric means are redefined in a way which allows them to be calculated for any matrix sampling design. It is proved that these sample generalized symmetric means are unbiased estimates of the analogous population generalized symmetric means. Illustrative examples are given. (Author)

This paper presents an overview of repeated measures designs, designs that measure one group over time, also called within-subjects designs. Both univariate and multivariate designs are discussed, and advantages and disadvantages of each of these designs are considered. The sphericity assumption is examined, and methods are presented to correct…

This paper analyzes three possible research designs using each of the four types of sums of squares in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). When the design is balanced (i.e., each cell has the same number of observations), all of the SPSS types of sums of squares yield equivalent results (testable hypotheses and sums of squares)…

An experiment is deemed to be valid, inasmuch as valid cause-effect relationships are established, if the results are due only to the manipulated independent variable (possess internal validity) and are generalizable to groups, environments, and contexts outside of the experimental settings (possess external validity). Consequently, all…

The increased interest in reporting effect sizes means that it is necessary to consider what should be included in a primer on effect sizes. A review of papers on effect sizes and commonly repeated statistical analyses suggests that it is important to discuss effect sizes relative to bivariate correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance/covariance,…

The current pace of technological advance has provided an unprecedented opportunity to use innovative simulated tasks in computerized assessment. A primary challenge for the successful use of innovation in assessment rests with the application of sound principles of design to produce a valid assessment. An additional challenge is to maximize the…

Reviews myths which interfere with effectiveness of research, and offers suggestions contributing to a good research study, such as having a good problem, selecting the appropriate research design, qualifying findings as necessary, and being prepared to move on to the next project. Presented at American School Health Association, Philadelphia,…