This paper discusses the methodologies used in a study analyzing the administration of Federal aid in California, Michigan, Massachusetts, Virginia, New York, and Texas. The study, conducted by a team, was designed to integrate the case study method with the comparative method. The author describes the methodologies used in the study, outlines the…

This report provides an overview of the development and evaluation of an experimental television series for adult viewers on health care. The series was produced by the Children's Television Workshop and aired in prime time during 1974-1975 by the Public Broadcasting Service. The report synthesizes results of complementary impact studies conducted…

Based on initial planning by the California Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing and extensive discussions by teachers, teacher educators, researchers, and representatives of educational organizations in California, National Education Program Associates developed a design for the second Phase of a multi-year research effort, the…

Rebuts an article that claimed to overthrow the authors' 1969 findings. It is demonstrated that the original study concerned syntactic organization and that interpretation of it as bearing on comprehension is largely unjustified. Comments on their prior work in light of new developments in child language are included. (EJS)

This paper outlines process of developing self-guided, library-based materials and methods manual to complement social work research course taught at graduate and undergraduate levels. Selection of topic for research, identification of library reference resources, and development of reference material bibliography are covered. Formative evaluation…

The research literature on the effects of factual and higher order adjunct questions is reviewed. The influence of 13 design variables on the direction and size of adjunct-questions effects is investigated. It is indicated that higher order adjunct questions may have a more general facilitative effect. (Author/JAZ)

In order to explore whether or not the same theoretical model of schooling is appropriate in both private and public schools, the model from the High School and Beyond study was examined. Results indicated that the model was equally applicable in both schools. Differences between schools were discussed. (Author/GDC)

Point of entry problems are faced by evaluators when asked to start an evaluation at an inappropriate time or to perform an inappropriate study. The fundamental purpose of evaluation is to help improve services. Guidelines are presented for choosing when to do a context, input, process, or product evaluation. (GDC)

Traditional methods of studying and evaluating use of online public access catalogs (OPACs) are discussed and compared to verbal protocol method (spoken records of people describing their work that uncover detailed data about thinking during problem solving). Results of Carnegie-Mellon University protocol study of OPAC users are discussed. (22…

Step-by-step description of the community analysis and survey project undertaken by Grande Prairie Public Library (Alberta, Canada) includes discussion of use of American Library Association's "Planning Process for Public Libraries" as a guideline for designing staff, citizen, and user surveys. Statement of revenue and expenses (1982) is…

Randomly sampled librarians were asked to rate 56 categories of baseline knowledge and skills according to their importance and degree to which respondents considered themselves knowledgeable. Highlights include areas of knowledge; library education effectiveness; and the importance of knowledge and experience, the library position, and the…

After identifying methodological and research design problems with follow-up studies, researchers obtained interviews from participants (74 percent) in adult basic skills education programs in New Jersey. The effects of participation on acquisition of basic academic skills, employment, personal development, and family functioning were…

A solution to the problem of specification error due to excluded variables in statistical models of treatment effects in nonrandomized (nonequivalent) control group designs is presented. It involves longitudinal observation with at least two pretests. A maximum likelihood estimation program such as LISREL may provide reasonable estimates of…

Describes research seminar class offered to juniors/seniors at Cy-Fair High School in Houston (Texas). Students do literature search, select research topic, make a proposal which is critiqued by students/teachers, conduct research, write a paper based on the literature search which incorporates the results of research; and give oral presentations.…

In 2000, PBS contracted with Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR) to conduct a five-year evaluation of "Ready To Learn" outreach. The evaluation includes an impact study of the effects of "Ready To Learn" workshops on participating parents and early childhood educators, as well as on the preschool children in their care. Conducted in 20 "Ready…