Multiple matrix sampling (MMS) as a data collection strategy was examined, and rates of response from 307 public school principals in Virginia were compared when subgroups of items were administered versus an entire instrument. MMS was demonstrated as a viable and reasonable procedure when the mail questionnaire consists of a large number of pages…

Drawing a probability sample of homeless adults in Los Angeles' Skid Row resulted in a sampling design meeting statistical criteria. The design uses data from meal centers, bed counts, and outdoor congregations; and allows unbiased estimates of prevalence of mental disorders and assessment of service needs of the homeless. (TJH)

Describes a sampling strategy which involves linked pairs of persons used to obtain bereaved respondents for a study examining loss and coping responses following a recent natural disaster. The sampling procedure appeared not to produce an obvious bias and was very beneficial in meeting the research objectives. (Author/NRB)

Presents guidelines about how to conduct a public opinion poll and discusses such specific areas as the sample, the questionnaire, the interviewers, and the poll report. (DF)

Presents a cost-effective method developed to sample older Blacks by telephone using existing information from previous surveys. Asking Black adult respondents from a national survey and others in their households for referrals to parents or grandparents yielded approximately one older Black per Black respondent in the original survey. (JAC)

Author argued that the attempt to gather valid data to measure educational standards is bound to fail. (Editor/RK)

Matrix sampling of test items, the division of a set of items into different versions of a test form, is used by several large-scale testing programs. This Digest discusses nine categories of costs associated with matrix sampling. These categories are: (1) development costs; (2) materials costs; (3) administration costs; (4) educational costs; (5)…

In large multipurpose surveys, it is common to select the sample systematically proportional to some measure of size (PPS) that is correlated with an important variable of interest. Assuming the frame is sorted in a useful deterministic manner, systematic sample methodologies provide an additional control on the sample allocation, beyond the…

This paper reviews some of the principal methodological issues that arise in studying nonresident fathers using surveys, including sample frame, survey participation, and response error. The review focuses on issues involving divorced families. Results are highlighted from analyses of important national data sets and of local data sets that…

This study had two purposes: first, to determine whether there exists a relationship between sex, family structure, power structure in the family of orientation, or social class and the kind of marriage role expectations of adolescents and to determine if those expectations are equalitarian. (Author/RK)

The present research was undertaken in the attempt to gain knowledge about the nature of qualitative changes in vocabulary performance across the major portion of the life span. (Author)

An item sampling model for achievement testing with items scored in an arbitrary number of categories is investigated. (Author)

Utilization of simple experiments to illustrate a few aspects of physics in which sampling plays a crucial role. (DF)

Through project research undertaken by the students, each significant content aspect of the information course entitled Occupational, Educational, and Social Information'' will be directly experienced, or at least be experientially dealt with, and shared with others taking the course. In this way, important elements of information learning take…