Research in Nigeria and Thailand is used to demonstrate that, where vocational training is cost effective (graduates get appropriate jobs), links with employers are closer than in other labor markets. Techniques such as reverse tracer studies, labor market signaling, and skills analysis can be used to improve training effectiveness. (SK)

Examined utility of Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) by comparing results obtained from 217 normal adolescents to findings from Cull and Gill's standardization effort. Present sample scored significantly higher than normative sample on SPS item, subscale, and total scores. Findings suggest need for caution when using SPS to assess adolescent…

In criminology, routine activities of potential victims can be used to predict victimization. Application to organizational sexual harassment data shows that organizational features (proximity in job location, supervisor or work group guardianship) and individual characteristics (target attractiveness) can predict sexual harassment victimization,…

Comparison of the Campbell Interest and Skill Survey (CISS) and Strong Interest Inventory using data from 128 college students found excellent to good matches between students' majors and the interest component of the CISS. Interest components of both scales had comparable concurrent validity. The skill component of CISS had lower concurrent…

Explored early-developing predictions of object motion through 6-month-old infants' head tracking and reaching for moving objects. Found evidence for infants' extrapolation of object motion on linear paths, in accord with principle of inertia. This tendency was remarkably resistant to counter-evidence, observed even after repeated presentations of…

Examined whether 6.5- and 5.5-month-old infants believe, like 11-month-old infants, that a moving object's size affects how far a stationary object is displaced in a collision. After a habituation event, tests indicated that the 6.5-month-old infants and 5.5-month-old female infants believed the size of the moving object affected the collision…

Reports that experiential education enabled disadvantaged students to catch up to their peers and compete on an even basis following graduation. Graduates with related work experience had significantly higher levels of responsibility than their inexperienced counterparts in their first jobs following graduation, found work more quickly, and were…

The effectiveness of four different imputation procedures (mean, conditional mean, hot deck, and regression) was compared in a two-variable prediction system using a sample of 18,869 college students. Results show that the grand mean procedure is not appropriate for handling missing data. Conditions under which either the conditional mean or…

Accurate, timely, and concise monthly financial reporting is achieved through mastering statistics. A Grafton, Massachusetts school business manager's monthly presentation to the school committee is a composite of all the statistics he has reviewed during the previous month. This presentation reports where and how funds have been spent and…

The influence of program-related constructs on perceived quality of treatment programs was assessed using a latent variable modeling approach and the responses of key personnel from 294 drug treatment facilities in Los Angeles County (California). A clear philosophy and emphasis and greater frequency of services significantly predicted greater…

Leadership involves more than analyzing data and making decisions. Even the most strategically made plans can be circumvented by people or unanticipated events. Scenario planning allows administrators to weave various components (driving forces, predetermined elements, and critical uncertainties) into plausible stories of what futures can unfold.…

A method for objective preemployment interviewing that saves time and money includes (1) identifying, defining, and quantifying relevant information about applicants; (2) interpreting applicants' verbal, vocal, and visual behaviors; and (3) using interviewing techniques that could elicit more accurate information. (SK)

Investigated whether infants infer that a hidden, freely moving object will move continuously and smoothly. Six- to 10- month olds inferred that the object's path would be connected and unobstructed, in accord with continuity. Younger infants did not infer this, in accord with inertia. At 8 and 10 months, knowledge of inertia emerged but remained…

Hierarchical regression analyses of the scores of 136 doctoral students on the Research Self-Efficacy Scale indicate that 3 subscales (early tasks, conceptualization, and implementation) account for the variance in prediction of interest in research. Number of years in graduate school and research involvement are significant predictors of research…

Examines students' ability to predict and postdict test performance in a classroom context. Undergraduate students (N=96) participated during a semester-length course. Results show that the high-performing students were accurate, with accuracy improving over multiple exams. Low-performing students showed moderate prediction accuracy but good…