Because analyses of reaction-time data are sensitive to aberrant observations and violations of statistical assumptions, a new approach is suggested. In this empirical approach, one applies the same criteria to the problem of selecting a statistical method as one uses to select among alternative experimental procedures. Six criteria are presented…

This study was designed to determine: (1) whether the 5-year planning cycle described in the 1980 manual "A Planning Process for Public Libraries" is being used in North Carolina's public libraries; (2) whether output measures described in a second publication released in 1982 are being collected in the state's public libraries; (3) the…

In the case of community colleges and their students, expectations and outcomes are varied, pervasive, and open to question. The measures of success that are typically applied to senior colleges (e.g., degrees awarded) are not sufficient. While progress toward degree attainment is a valid measure for those recent high school students who aspire to…

This study, which is part of a review of the child care elements of local zoning ordinances conducted in 1986 for the Montgomery County Board in Silver Spring, Maryland, addresses planning and site planning issues that arise from the locating of child day care facilities in commercial settings. Principal purposes of the study were to: (1) analyze…

One part of a three-part investigation prepared for the Montgomery County Planning Board in Silver Spring, Maryland, this study addresses planning and site planning issues arising from the location of child care facilities in residential settings. The study, which emphasizes homes and centers which care for 7 to 20 children, provides a detailed…

The evaluation of "institutional effectiveness" is required by many accrediting agencies. The degree to which institutions have mobilized to meet the new criteria is the focus of this study. Surveys were sent to chief executive officers (CEOs) of institutions which will be reviewed within the next 5 years by the Southern Association of Colleges…

In fall 1984, a nationwide study was conducted to determine the impact of undocumented aliens on two-year colleges. Surveys were mailed to presidents of 1,195 two-year colleges, requesting information on the number of undocumented aliens currently enrolled at the colleges, their nations of origin, their admission status, special modifications or…

The evaluation team of the Lincoln Public Schools (Nebraska) used the multi-attribution utility technology (MAUT) approach to prioritize potential evaluation projects. The priorities were used to allocate resources to the district's most important projects, and to eliminate or scale down less important projects. The problem was caused initially…

A reanalysis was conducted of Saunier's research (1985) on sources of variation in the National Research Council (NRC) reputational ratings of university faculty. Saunier conducted a stepwise regression analysis using 12 predictor variables. Due to problems with multicollinearity and because of the atheoretical nature of stepwise regression,…

A study examined Florida's certification process for postsecondary vocational education teachers. After reviewing previous research on the certification of vocational educators in Florida, the commission solicited data analyzing the differences in teaching ability between certified and noncertified vocational teachers and the content validity,…

This set of materials on the recruitment and selection of librarians and other professional staff in research libraries, assembled by the Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) of the Association of Research Libraries, includes: (1) policy and procedures statements on the recruitment, selection, and appointment of professional library…

Secondary teachers' evaluation and classroom utilization of computer assisted instruction (CAI) packages were studied. Following selection of 91 CAI programs in math, science, geography, and economics, teachers in four secondary schools examined and, where appropriate, used the programs in classrooom teaching. Teachers' opinions and judgments were…

This study was conducted to identify the characteristics of effective clinical instruction as perceived by faculty and students in a sample of associate degree nursing programs in Iowa. From the population of 18 associate degree nursing programs in the state, a stratified random sample of approximately one-third was chosen for voluntary completion…

A sequence of selective/retention steps are described which are used to reduce the number of student teacher "wash outs" in the Wright State University (Ohio) school of education. (1) A 2.25 grade point average (out of 4.0 points) is required for admission to the school, and an entry level grammar/composition test, which identifies at…

Two different conceptions of ability are proposed. The first conception of ability is more differentiated and generally employed by adults and older children. Here ability level is defined with reference to the performance of others assuming that optimum effort was employed. High ability means higher than others. The second conception of ability…