A computer-assisted instruction program was used to teach spelling words to 5 learning-disabled or educable mentally handicapped students (ages 11-12) using a time delay procedure; manage content presentation based on individual student responding; and collect performance data. Four students learned the words, though maintenance varied.…

Finds that introductory psychology textbooks present limited and often confusing coverage of research methods. Presents two research models that delineate separate dimensions for data collection procedures, research designs, and research settings. Contends that these models provide better coverage of research strategies. Includes suggestions for…

Institutions varied widely in amount and type of data collected in tracking research proposals. Many do not collect predicted data or much data of national interest. Most do not require prior approval of use of human subjects, recombinant DNA, or hazardous substances. Only one required certification of integrity of scholarship. (Author/MSE)

Eastern Illinois University's Health Studies Department is developing a comprehensive plan for evaluating the professional preparation program. The article describes its methods, discussing how the plan can be adapted for other situations and noting how to use the Role Delineation Project Curriculum Framework to collect relevant, informative…

Examines life history interviews with English as a foreign language teachers in Poland, employing an analysis based on Mikhail Bakhtin's theory of language, which describes language as "heteroglossic" or comprising multiple, competing discourses in dynamic dialogue with one another. The central question focuses on what discourses…

Reviews research into class size effects from a methodological viewpoint, concentrating on various strengths and weaknesses of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies. Discusses population definitions, causation, and generally sets out criteria for valid inferences from such studies. Illustrates with new findings from data in…

Surveyed partnerships between K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions using a 12-item questionnaire to determine (1) structural characteristics; (2) funding; (3) success in achieving goals; and (4) data collected to measure success. The partnerships see themselves as at least somewhat successful in improving high school preparation and college…

The presentation of statistics in administrator preparation programs is often irrelevant to administrative realities, fails to integrate appropriate teaching technologies, and stresses inferential statistics over statistical strategies for improving skills in problem analysis, program and student evaluation, data-based decision making, and report…

The World Wide Web can provide direct market research data inexpensively or can target the appropriate professional online database and narrow the search. This article discusses the Web presence of research and investment firms, financial pages, trade associations, and electronic publications containing market research data. It lists Uniform…

A three-step framework to help teachers examine and modify teaching practice based on data analysis includes: specify current levels of student performance, create action plans, and evaluate and communicate progress. A case study of a teacher who used the framework to pinpoint one student's writing problems, create change in practice, and assess…

Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of patrons and reference librarians as sources of data for the evaluation of the effectiveness of answers to reference questions. Describes the Wisconsin-Ohio Reference Evaluation program and considers staffing patterns, time spent, collection size, and bibliographic instruction. Reference Transaction…

Presents a lesson plan in which students explore ideas about rural and urban areas by examining census data and advertisements from magazines. Discusses how the students collect and record the census data and calculate percentages, representing them on circle graphs. Includes an extension activity. (CMK)

The stakes are getting higher for teachers to provide evidence that suggests their students are meeting the goals set forth by national and state standards. The stakes are also getting higher for administrators at the state and local levels to provide evidence that their teachers are "highly qualified." Currently lacking in many areas is an…

In this pilot study we sought to determine the reliability and validity of collecting speech and voice acoustical data via telephone transmission for possible future use in large clinical trials. Simultaneous recordings of each participant's speech and voice were made at the point of participation, the local recording (LR), and over a telephone…

Introduction: It has been suggested that the use of opinion leaders in the dissemination of information may be an effective method of changing clinical practice. Recent reviews on this topic, however, have found mixed results and have concluded that further research is needed to explore the circumstances that effectively utilize opinion leaders.…