Empirical results from two studies--a simulation study and an experimental one--indicated that, in achievement data of the problem-solving type where a specific subject matter area is being tested, the greater the variety of the algorithms used, the higher the dimensionality of the test data. (Author/PN)

Analyzes problems in the use of cohort data as illustrated by cohort data on drinking alcoholic beverages taken from American national surveys conducted during the late 1950s, late 1960s, and late 1970s. Researchers are cautioned that all available "side information" should be considered before statistical cohort models are tested. (Author/RC)

The impact of an academic progress policy implemented at Cleveland State University is reviewed and evaluated with a focus on: the methodology used in identifying students affected by the academic progress policy; student characteristics; possible misuse of Title IV funds; and benefits and future of the policy. (MLW)

The origins of institutional research and its association with a planning function are reviewed. The role of values, politics, and social pressures in regard to the planning function are examined. Planning is likely to be more directed to attaining administrative and faculty aspirations than to meeting educational and social needs. (Author/MLW)

An ACE follow-up study of women and minorities in academic administration includes the presentation of employment patterns and salary compensation findings for the 1978-79 academic year, a longitudinal analysis of the changes experienced by women and minorities between 1975-78, and explanations for low percentages of women and minorities. (MLW)

A study to demonstrate the wide divergence of attitudes to various aspects of music between students of different levels of education, localities and sex, and also between students and their parents, and between parents of different sex is reported. Recognition of differences must be considered in curricula design. (Author/MLW)

A study of 89 Basic Educational Opportunity Grants requiring validation disclosed some disheartening data: an overall total understatement of $54,982 in adjusted gross income and a total overstatement of $1,164 paid in U.S. income taxes. This data was compared to the institutional cost of the validation process. (MLW)

The issues surrounding faculty reduction will require increasing sophistication in planning and budgeting. The institutional research professional must play a central role, including analysis of data on (1) instructional production by department, (2) faculty profiles, (3) cost variations by program and instructional level, and (4) financing of…

Accounting for verbal reports requires explication of the mechanisms by which the reports are generated and influenced by experimental factors. We discuss different cognitive processes underlying verbalization and present a model of how subjects, when asked to think aloud, verbalize information from their short-term memory. (Author/GDC)

Reviews the issue of outcome criteria in the light of the relevance-rigor dimension. Counseling psychologists must find a more liberalized approach to research methodology upon which to construct human understanding. Inappropriate methods of data anlaysis are often used in multivariate research. A model for such experiments is suggested. (JAC)

Describes a procedure for identifying a group of potential users from among current nonusers in a sample of adults drawn from the library's community. This procedure was designed for use in conducting marketing surveys for public libraries. (Author/CHC)

Possible biasing influences on student ratings of instruction brought about by students' precourse expectations are examined. Student and course demographic instruction brought about the students' precourse variables were analyzed and affective entry data were compared to course and student demographic information in terms of relative influence on…

Describes research testing the 'race convergence' hypothesis for high school students of low socioeconomic background. Findings showed that many race differentials in the aspiration-formation process disappear at this level. (Author/CK)

An analysis of user requests for interlibrary loan materials revealed that about 5% of the total requests placed at the University of Oklahoma required lending fees. Costs and users' willingness to pay those costs are reviewed. Libraries seeking cost recovery would provide more efficient and democratic service if flat charges on all requests were…

Proposes a model that displays the five components of the statistical problem-solving process. Focuses on the collection of coins in sets by mint location and fully describes the procedures. Includes ideas for data collection and analysis. (DDR)