Human infants are sensitive from birth to some intrinsic properties of objects; they are also sensitive to position. During the first weeks of life, pertinent dimensions of differentiation between objects are relative to global properties of the entire object or pattern. Position is defined by the direction of a displacement: the trajectory…

A general model is described which can be used to represent the four common types of meta-analysis: (1) estimation of effect size by combining study outcomes; (2) estimation of effect size by contrasting study outcomes; (3) estimation of statistical significance by combining study outcomes; and (4) estimation of statistical significance by…

In redesigning the data program of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there is a need for standard definitions, constant vigilance against redundancy and excessive data collection, audits and verification on local school data and continued attention to equity results as well as excellence and achievement. Major test scores, such…

Between-group designs constitute the experimental methods traditionally applied in the field of education. Another level of analysis, however, is commonly used in clinical psychology but seldom applied in educational settings: single-subject designs (actually applied to small groups). This design allows a researcher to evaluate the influence of an…

An alternative method of identifying effective schools, based on the concept of effective schools as statistically atypical, was tested. This paper investigates the issue of consistency of the identification of what is termed "exceptional" schools. The following tests were administered to all first through fourth graders in 431 schools…

While presenting a critical look at selected aspects of relationship change research and theory, this essay argues that researchers need to investigate a broader range of relationship types, develop a more comprehensive conceptualization of relationship change, and develop more appropriate research methods. The first section deals with the need to…

This article attempts to apply mastery learning theory to research on full- and half-day kindergarten. It is proposed that the application of mastery learning theory would greatly aid in the understanding of relationships between important program variations and predicted outcomes, and demonstrably enhance research efforts to identify differences…

Literature relating to evaluation processes in schools and classrooms is reviewed to develop a conceptual framework for integrating research on such evaluation processes. This report was prepared by the Middle School program. Commentary and research on elements of the evaluation process are examined in this framework, and the ways in which formal…

The "regular education initiative," whose chief proponent is Assistant Secretary of Education Madeleine Will, calls for the merger of special education and regular education into one system. It is based on the Adaptive Learning Environment Model (ALEM) developed by Margaret Wang and her associates. This paper reviews the research,…

An evaluation plan based on the STAR (Sensible Technology Assessment/Research) model will be used to evaluate the Apple Classroom of Tomorrow (ACOT). Visits to three ACOT schools and interviews with their teachers, students, and administrators were used to obtain an initial understanding of what ACOT means to the process and outcomes of…

The purpose of this paper is to present a general research model for the study of interpersonal communication competence. The paper summarizes the research background for the model and covers considerations for a general theory of competence. It notes that recently the communication field has shifted in emphasis from concerns of public speaking…

Three possible versions of Project Follow Through are discussed to explore the kinds of knowledge that each approach would yield and to describe alternative ways in which the program could maintain the unique feature of federal coordination of research. Versions compared include (1) a federally coordinated research program designed to generate…

The accuracy of trait estimates obtained from three vertical equating methods was examined. The procedures studied included two anchor test designs and a single-group design. Data from two content areas and two grade combinations were studied. A three-parameter logistic model was used to perform the equatings. The results obtained were used to…

In true experiments in which sample material can be randomly assigned to treatment conditions, most researchers presume that the condition of equal sample sizes is statistically desirable. When one or more a priori contrasts can be identified which represent a few overriding experimental concerns, however, allocating sample material unequally will…

A research project was conducted to develop and implement a model for community college missions. The new model would depart from existing models, which utilize a hierarchy of decreasing levels of generality beginning with institutional missions and culminating in objectives. In contrast, this research defined institutional mission in terms of…