This paper contends that weaknesses of the best-evidence synthesis conducted by R. E. Slavin concluding that ability grouping in secondary school has no effects on student achievement are ignoring instructional and curricular differences; relying almost solely on standardized test scores; and relying too heavily on experimental research. (SLD)

Advocates focus group research, in which a homogeneous group led by a trained moderator discusses a carefully selected research question, as a qualitative tool well suited for community colleges. Offers case studies and the following guidelines: establish collegewide administrative procedures, carefully select/train on-campus moderators, and…

Simulation studies were used to explore the relationship between Type I error rates (statistical conclusion validity) and multiple testing in data sets exhibiting varying degrees of independence. Implications for reporting and interpreting educational data are discussed, and methods of determining or reducing Type I error incidence are presented.…

Standards relating to sampling methodology are summarized, deviations from these standards in a random sample of 30 research reports are identified, and specific recommendations for improving sampling methods to enhance research applicability for practice are made. A high proportion of the studies examined had at least one major sampling…

Measurement of physical activity patterns is discussed in terms of data obtained by attitude assessment, activity questionnaires, personal monitoring devices, and fitness assessment. Problems of each technique are described. Application of activity measures to the estimation of total dietary needs is discussed. (SK)

A study examining the evaluation components of merit pay programs in Illinois suggests that such components significantly influence a program's success or failure. Merit pay programs should incorporate evaluation systems tht emphasize their formal purpose, target variables related to effective teaching, and utilize sound data collection…

Offers a framework blending sociologists' focus on school organization and educational stratification with economists' explicit attention to individual response to incentive structures. Examines whether minority, low economic status, and/or noncollege-bound youths receive weaker incentives for school effort. The variables examined cannot account…

Complains that the relevance of research to educational reform evaporated in 1985 when the William Bennett/Chester Finn team began to promote reform by rhetoric. A reorganized Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) then abandoned plans to forge a strong link between researchers and practitioners. (MLH)

Provides a nontechnical explanation of the family of multivariate statistical techniques known as multidimensional scaling (MDS). Explains the purpose of MDS, and the advantages of using these techniques in the study of musical perception. Discusses two approaches to the interpretation of MDS solutions. Lists examples of musical studies using MDS.…

Investigators were surveyed on the topic of side effects coincident with baseline naturalistic observations of children. Reported side-effects usually involved exacerbation of problems already occurring. Children in clinical samples were more likely than those in naturalistic samples to display side-effects. (Author/BB)

Researchers should systematically seek out their subjectivity, not retrospectively when the data have been collected and the analysis is complete, but while their research is actively in progress. Demonstrates an example of this pursuit of subjectivity in the course of fieldwork. (Author/BJV)

Responds to Donald Dean Morley's reply (same issue). Discusses his claims about the use of multiple-message designs, the analysis of multiple-message designs, and generalization on logical grounds. (MS)

Examines in detail the political and ethical dilemmas encountered when results of the Barrow Alcohol Study generated considerable reaction in the scientific community, popular press, and local population. Argues difficulties might have been avoided with better insight into community belief regarding the nature of the problem and better community…

The effectiveness of knee braces in preventing knee injuries in football is inconclusive. This article reviews research from epidemiologic, cadaver, and surrogate studies; discusses reasons for conflicting study results, including research design problems; and describes alternative approaches that have been suggested. (IAH)

In restricted factor analysis, each element of the matrices of factor loadings and correlations and unique variances and covariances can be constrained. It is argued that the practice of constraining some parameters at zero is not psychologically meaningful. Alternative procedures are presented and illustrated. (TJH)