Argues that although John Gray, Harvey Goldstein, and Sally Thomas treat the notion of trend in an unproblematic manner, as deterministic time trends, movements in data identified by Gray as school improvement trends may not be generated by the deterministic processes they assume. Opines these upward and downward movements may reflect a purely…

The basic confidence scales of the Expanded Skills Confidence Inventory for 715 college students were correlated with confidence for Holland's six themes and basic interest scales of the Strong Interest Inventory. Discriminant analysis indicated that using both interest and confidence measures led to additional predictive power. (Contains 37…

Surveys completed by 78 master of social work graduates 1 month before and 6 months after graduation indicated that 20% found aging-related employment; most had contact with elders and used gerontology knowledge at work. Frequent and rewarding interactions with older clients before graduation were significant predictors of aging-related work;…

The Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and Tests of Adult Literacy Skills were used to place 168 adult literacy students into classes. The 37-minute TABE Locator Test predicted placements as well as or better than the full 3-hour TABE. Therefore, lengthy placement tests for four or fewer class levels may not be necessary. (SK)

Shows how to test the hypothesis that a nonnested model fits a set of predictors when modeling multiple effect sizes in meta-analysis. Illustrates the procedure using data from previous studies of the effectiveness of coaching on performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. (SLD)

Outlines an approach to differential item functioning (DIF) analysis using hierarchical linear regression that makes it possible to combine results of logistic regression analyses across items to identify consistent sources of DIF, to quantify the proportion of explained variation in DIF coefficients, and to compare the predictive accuracy of…

A futures perspective is brought to the field of mental retardation with discussion of normal behavior in the past and future, as well as possible effects of the electronic/robotic revolution and the biological revolution. (DB)

Thirteen opinion leaders predict what will help or hinder workers' performance in the future. Ideas include greater investment in human and social capital, education, increased alienation, the Internet, access to information, and technology. (JOW)

Reviews research on premarital factors associated with later marital quality and stability in first marriages. Three major categories of factors are described, including background and context, individual traits and behaviors, and couple interactional processes. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal research are summarized. Recommendations for…

The multiple-spell discrete-time survival analysis method is introduced and illustrated using longitudinal data on exit from and reentry into the teaching profession. The method is applicable to many educational problems involving the sequential occurrence of disparate events or episodes. (SLD)

The conjoint approach to measurement and analysis is demonstrated with a test of an evaluation utilization process-model that includes two endogenous variables (predicted participation and predicted instrumental evaluation). Conjoint measurement involves having respondents rate profiles that are analogues to concepts based on cells in a factorial…

Examined therapist competence and patient-therapist complementarity as to their interrelation and their unique, collective, and interactive contributions to patient change in 20 sessions of short-term anxiety-provoking psychotherapy. Found that competence in early sessions did not relate to patient change. Patient-therapist complementarity ratings…

Two studies evaluated sources of stress (negative life events versus hassles) as predictors of hopelessness and suicide ideation and tested mediating role of hopelessness among college students. Finding from 143 students revealed hassles accounted for unique increment in hopelessness scores after negative life events were controlled statistically.…

Drug Misuse Scale (DMS) and Substance Abuse Proclivity Scale (SAPS), both of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, were compared using adolescent sample used to develop the DMS. Found that the SAP scale could not discriminate between different levels of drug use in this nontreatment sample. Concluded that DMS may be superior at…

Examined dimensions of parent-child relationships as predictors of adherence to treatment and metabolic control in study of 88 children/adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Ratings of parent-child discipline, warmth, and behavioral support were not significantly associated with diabetes outcome, but parent-child conflict was…