A major problem in social science research is that of successfully carrying out the random assignment of persons to experimental and control groups. In this study a computer-based random assignment procedure operated successfully on a weekly basis for 17 consecutive weeks in a program serving over 360 ex-offenders. (CTM)

Factorial modeling is justified as a method for analyzing correlations in support of causal inference. The method is illustrated and compared to path analysis, LISREL-type analysis, canonical correlation, and commonality analysis. Predictions of impacts of policy manipulations are demonstrated. (Author/CP)

The effects of taking an attitude pretest on the attitude scores for a posttest were studied. A comparison was also made of the effects of negatively worded pretest questions. Small but statistically significant differences were found. (CTM)

Four positions concerning foreign and second language learning ability in adults are summarized with attention to the "critical period" hypothesis. An argument is made for a shift from macro-correlational studies to controlled micro language learning research free of extralinguistic variables. (PMJ)

Applied to the recognition of words in noise, the theory of the perceptual identification of complex stimuli provides a quantitative account of the proportions in which correct and erroneous responses of different frequencies will occur. (Author)

The usual interpretation of suppressor effects in a multiple regression equation assumes that the correlations among variables have been generated by a particular structural model. How such a regression equation is interpreted is shown to be dependent on the structural model deemed appropriate. (Author/JKS)

If the proposition is accepted that service agencies occupy unique environments, then single organism research designs (such as ABAB) and multiple baseline designs may provide more valuable information than currently accepted research methodologies. (Author/MH)

Describes an inductive approach to the evaluation of developmental studies programs using multiple regression analysis to explore variables that contribute to program success. (DR)

The major theme is that better and more productive studies could emerge if media research would move out of its traditional either-internal- or-external validity conflict. (Author/MV)

Demonstrates that the whole of an anthropological study (from deciding who, what, and where to study to publicizing results) can be termed an "ethnographic process". Within this process, four major components can be identified: research conditions, research design, research implementation, and product creation. Discusses each part of…

A survey of 54 graduate schools identified the content of training received by educational measurement specialists during their graduate educations. Forty-three programs offer master's degrees, with 14 focusing specifically on educational measurement. Students received basic skills and knowledge of statistical methods, measurement, and research…

Reviews the literature of the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and describes its relevance to Information Studies (IS). Workplace studies, key themes, the use of STS in IS research, and implications of STS for IS are also covered. (Contains 194 references.) (MES)

Describes chemical education research conducted in classrooms using a qualitative methodology. The researcher studies interactions between learners, the teacher leading the instruction, and the material being studied in hopes of better understanding where learning occurs. This is diametrically opposed to standard experimental research, being…

Proposals satisfy a number of functions in evaluation work. This article examines how these functions differ depending on whether the proposal concerns a preordinate study in which methods are prespecified or an emergent study in which decisions about methods are made as the study proceeds. (Author/SLD)