Researchers recruiting samples of children through schools typically face considerable challenges in obtaining completed consent forms from parents. Describes a set of procedures used to obtain active parental consent for child participation that resulted in a 95% return rate of consent forms. Rates of return were similar across schools that…

Reports on the use of the tailored design method (TDM) to achieve high survey response in two separate studies of the dissemination of Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs). Findings from these two studies identify six factors may have influenced nonresponse, and show that use of TDM does not, in itself, guarantee a high response rate. (SLD)

To improve vocational psychology research, researchers should reconsider the meaning of career, adopt longitudinal designs for research on career development, and concentrate first on developmental processes and then on the context of careers. (SK)

Presents both a conceptual model (which partitions family data into individual, dyadic, and family effects and permits examination of several types of interdependence between family members) and an analytical method (confirmatory factor analysis) that can be used in the evaluation of round-robin family research data. (SR)

This article provides a brief introduction to the RATE Project. The project seeks to gather accurate information about teacher education, establish trend lines and document changes, study the structures and processes involved in teacher education, and obtain reliable information upon which program development and change initiatives can be based.…

Focuses on the experimental designs and methodology of 15 studies, most of which used only part of the methodology for the experimental analysis of behavior. Argues that the failure to fully use available research technology may have contributed to researchers' failure to make experimental contact with the definition of reinforcement. (RH)

Develops random-effects probit model for case in which outcome of interest is series of correlated binary responses, obtained as product of longitudinal response process where individual is repeatedly classified on binary outcome variable or in multilevel or clustered problems in which individuals within groups are considered to share…

Many different methods are termed qualitative research. A continuum of research methods avoids the need to classify research as either scientific or naturalistic. Each method may be assessed in terms of degree of constraints on possible outputs and degree of constraints on antecedent variables. (SK)

A nursing education program uses group projects to resolve the problem of whether the purpose is to teach students to read research or to conduct it. The project approach focuses on types of research decisions rather than results, giving students insight into the "hidden" research process. (SK)

A simple way to assess the statistical power of experimental designs, based on the concept of a minimum detectable effect, is described. How to compute minimum detectable effects and how to apply the method of assessment of alternative experimental designs are illustrated. (SLD)

Articulates the many ramifications of selecting dissertation topics and outlines how students might go about making this decision wisely. The article is intended for graduate students interested in pursuing a research career in biology, but the central theme is relevant to graduate students in any doctoral program. (LZ)

Conducting research about camp programs begins with asking a question and determining the nature of the question--whether it requires a needs assessment, an evaluation process, original data, or a cost/benefit analysis. Discusses factors to consider in deciding whether to allow existing staff members to conduct a study, or to contract with an…

Used the concept of fuzzy variable to develop new sex-type, prestige, and Holland interest scales from the Occupational Scales of the Strong Interest Inventory. Describes intercorrelations among three measures of Holland themes and measures of sex type and prestige. Comments on potential counseling and research uses for the new measures. (JPS)

The selection of subjects for research on learning disabilities is a function of contemporary notions about learning disabilities, the purpose of the study and level of knowledge about the topic, and practical constraints. Denigrations of the extant research database, along with unaffordable demands for subject selection and descriptions, threaten…

Reviews and evaluates the methods that generate knowledge about technical communication. Classifies them as quantitative or qualitative, describes each kind in some detail, and concludes with the warning that readers should carefully analyze a research study before generalizing it. (SR)