A simulation study to determine appropriate linking methods for adaptive testing items was designed. Three basic data sets for responses were created. These were randomly sampled, systematically sampled, and selected data sets. The evaluative criteria used were fidelity of parameter estimation, asymptotic ability estimates, root-mean-square error…

Surveys of dental student values are described that were designed to assess value ratings by four dental classes in 1976, annual value ratings of a freshman class as they progressed through their four year program, and the usefulness of the cross-sectional design versus the longitudinal design. Each of the two surveys, which were conducted by the…

This report describes the technical assistance rendered to the NIE-sponsored R&D Utilization Program (R&DU) by the contractor working with the NIE staff, the Center for the Study of Evaluation, and the seven R&DU projects, to develop cross-project instrumentation, develop mutually acceptable plans for data collection and analysis, and…

Intended for those who are concerned with evaluation but do not have an extensive background, this textbook helps students, scientists, evaluators, and administrators conduct and interpret evaluations. It deals with evaluations in all social action programs--health, education, and welfare. The focus is on basic procedures, rather than on theory,…

This paper outlines the objectives, perspectives, methodology, and educational significance of a research project being undertaken to analyze and evaluate black post secondary education. The major objective for undertaking this research is to determine whether, within selected social science disciplines, "client-centered" undergraduate teaching…

Three categories of dependent variables used in classroom research were defined: (1) academic--behavior related to a specific academic area, achievement, or test performance; (2) deportmental--behavior related to classroom conduct, such as paying attention to teacher, whispering, and following instructions; and (3) other--including thumbsucking,…

Multiple matrix sampling of three subscales of the California Psychological Inventory was used to investigate the effects of four variables on error estimates of the mean (EEM) and variance (EEV). The four variables were examinee population size (600, 450, 300, 150, 100, and 75); number of subtests, (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7), hence the number of…

Progress that has been made in second language research in the last two years and future directions in the research methodology of second language studies are discussed. In order to examine the continuation and expansion of current research, the research reported by Schumann (1976) is compared with current research as represented by the titles of…

This study employs a time-series analysis of naturalistic developmental functioning to describe characteristics of transition in social development. A special education classroom of eight preadolescents, ages 11 and 12, provided subjects for this study. Transitional patterns in social cognitive development were studied in children's…

Reliable institutional research is seen as serving as a valuable means of generating accurate, objective data useful in reaching sound management decisions in institutions of higher education. Institutional research is defined as the systematic, comprehensive self-study used by a college or university to improve the institution. Sound…

This report, first in a series of seven, addressed the question, "What events disrupt classroom instruction and what are the most effective techniques teachers use to cope with these distractions?" This report describes the events which occurred in the evolution of the research study. The major sections are: (1) selection of the…

THIS PAPER DISCUSSES THE FIELD TESTING OF RESEARCH AND INSTRUCTION UNITS IN OPERATION IN A NUMBER OF WISCONSIN SCHOOLS. THE UNIT IS A REORGANIZED SCHOOL STRUCTURE WHICH IS MADE UP OF A LEARNING SPECIALIST LEADER, TEACHERS, PARAPROFESSIONALS, AND STUDENTS. THE MAJOR AIMS OF THIS EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION ARE (1) TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN AN…

The project Factors Affecting Job Placement in Vocational Education used case study methodology to determine factors that can be used in determining policy and in making decisions to improve vocational education at federal, state, and local levels. Case studies were chosen as the research methodology because there was a need for a detailed…

This paper suggests ways in which manifest, physical attributes of graphic elements can be described and measured. It also proposes a preliminary conceptual model that accounts for the readily apparent, measurable variables in a visual message. The graphic elements that are described include format, typeface, and photographs/artwork. The…

This paper argues that if researchers studying a recognized category of behavior, such as fantasy play or aggression, were to focus on prototypical instances of the behavior, there should be high inter-researcher agreement of just the sort that operational definitions were intended to secure. A study of fantasy play was conducted using a paradigm…