A conception of invalidity as bias is related to content validity for standardized achievement tests. A method of estimating content bias for each of three content domains (a priori, curricular, and instructional) based on the specification of a content taxonomy is also proposed. (Author/CM)

Identified patterns that characterized soap operas, cartoons, and prime-time drama: (1) the predominant form of interaction was dyadic; (2) the most frequent speakers and receivers of messages were males; (3) the most pervasive message was an assertion of dominance; and (4) the concept of power was not sex-linked. (PD)

Proposition analysis was used to equate the text base of two essays with different readability levels. Easier reading essays were given higher scores than difficult reading essays. The results appear to identify another noncontent influence on essay test scores, leaving increasingly less variance for differences in content. (Author/PN)

Looks at English handbooks and rhetoric texts and notes shortcomings in their treatment of research papers. Offers several remedies. (FL)

Concludes that voters need a frame or a point of reference for determining the campaign relevance of issues and that, therefore, framing is a crucial consideration in the media agenda-setting process. (FL)

Examines nine basal series to determine the number of stories featuring ethnic groups. Concludes that no one series offers more ethnic content than another. (FL)

Three issues of a quarterly journal published in Germany, which contains articles, examples, discussions, reviews, and news concerning pedagogical theories and techniques for teachers of history, are examined. One of the journal's editors would like to exchange information, trends, articles, and reports with the "History Teacher." (RM)

Today's melodramas reveal significant trends in terms of gender, class, and the nature of tribulations. This article surveys the dominant features of family melodramas including soap operas, prime time serials such as "Dallas" and "Dynasty," and theatrical feature films. (PD)

Examines issues of the three Minneapolis, Minnesota newspapers publishing in the period 1900-1905 to determine their role in exposing malfeasance in government. (FL)

Presents summaries of eight research reports. Topics discussed include (1) television use and social stereotypes, (2) a magazine for Arab women, (3) television newswomen in Texas, (4) sensationalism and science issues, (5) datelines and news stories, and (6) the content of paid and free circulation weeklies. (FL)

Describes a technique which requires beginning students in an interpersonal communication course to analyze and evaluate the advice given on interpersonal relations as stated in the lyrics of popular songs. (PD)

Describes an exercise in the content analysis of political ideologies. Advantages of the exercise include that it teaches students to employ content analysis as a method of research and that it introduces them to the ideological statements of America's leading social critics. (DB)

Content analysis of systematically selected paragraphs of the three major textbooks used in teaching college-level home management courses was used to examine the hypothesis that they portray, and implicitly endorse, an ideal family type. Implications of the findings for home economists and family practitioners are discussed. (Author/CT)

Investigates how one media outlet, "Time" magazine, has reported American religion over the past 30 years. Observes that coverage patterns can be explained by its rhetorical protocol which demands action, conflict, and personality. "Time" follows this rhetorical formula in all varieties of news, including religious, because the…