Presents 17 research paradigms students might employ for doctoral dissertations on instructional design, makes suggestions for students evaluating the literature and developing a conceptual framework for research, and summarizes dissertations developed by University of Florida doctoral students, classifying them into three research paradigms which…

ifferent evaluation models were applied to data from a high school career education program to investigate problems in statistical conclusion validity and program effectiveness judgments. If potential threats to internal validity are analyzed and protection strategies are developed, more confidence in unplanned ex post facto design using a…

School district central office administrators were studied to determine the effects of state and federal regulatory policies for categorical funding on administrative costs and administrator behavior. Findings showed significant hidden program costs for local districts. Additionally, regulations diverted local managers from educational concerns to…

The application and use of hierarchical models is illustrated, using the example of the structure of attitudes toward a new product and a print advertisement. Subjects were college students who responded to seven-point bipolar scales. Hierarchical models were better than nonhierarchical models in conceptualizing attitude but not intention. (GDC)

The purpose of this study was to determise the relative loss in statistical power of traditional methods of analysis when response-shift bias is present. Five methods of analysis (posttest scores only; postminus pretests; postminus retrospective pretest; postcovaried by pretest; postcovaried by retrospective pretest) were compared. (Author/BW)

Assesses the major databases for retrieval of mental health information (PSYCINFO, MEDLINE, NIMH) on the basis of journal coverage, controlled vocabulary, abstracts, and performance in actual searches. Thirteen references, database information (producer, availability/cost, coverage, updates/currency), comparison of journal coverage by selected…

This article presents a psychological perspective on research in librarianship and explores potential for application of psychological research principles and practices to behavioral research in libraries. Highlights include evolution of a theory of user behavior and the nature of psychological research and research designs and methodologies.…

Conclusion about site-specific determinants of educational outcomes of the controversial longitudinal evaluation of the Follow Through programs (1976) are challenged again by reexamining the Direct Instruction model data. Reanalysis confirms earlier critiques and supports more recent research funding on the relationship between types of…

An analysis of three research studies which examined the movement towards comprehensive schooling in Great Britain shows that the answer to the question "has it worked" can be yes or no, depending on the selection of data and of statistical techniques. (RM)

Existing classroom data were used in a preliminary test of a theoretical model of student academic motivation. Expected relationships among verbal ability, internality, self-esteem, and success were found, along with evidence that class grouping may alter them. Problems encountered using existing research for other purposes are described.…

The enrichment model using structured short-term instructions through the use of manuals shows some definite advantages for process and outcome research, theory testing, applicability to nonclinical families, and comparisons of structured versus unstructured and cognitive versus affective approaches. Examples of graduate programs using enrichment…

This study examined the effects of organizational control strategies on the teacher's instructional role. It was hypothesized that the teacher's instructional role would be affected by his or her background such as sex, discipline, experience and tenure status as well. (Author/RK)

This study is a major addition to the few previous investigations of the association between number of years of education and information retention and acquisition by adults both after few and after many years beyond the close of formal schooling. (Editor)

This chapter examines benefits and pitfalls inherent in studying teaching and learning from the inside where the teacher is also the principal investigator of the research. The first section describes a first-person account of a trajectory using inquiry as a means of practice and using practice as a medium for research. Then, three cases of…

This paper examines how controlling statistically for baseline covariates (especially pretests) improves the precision of studies that randomize schools to measure the impacts of educational interventions on student achievement. Part I of the paper introduces the concepts, issues, and options involved. Parts II and III present empirical findings…