Examines the structure of television pictures as based on the theory of field forces and suggests a series of hypotheses, experimental designs, and statistical treatments to be used in empirical investigations. Various theoretical concepts of composition (field forces) are discussed. (Author/JEG)

A series of free-recall experiments was conducted in which preschool children were tested repeatedly over many sessions. Various experimental manipulations were interspersed with baseline sessions along the lines of the single-subject design commonly used in free-operant studies. (Author/JMB)

lllustrates a link between the multiple-rater kappa of J. Fleiss (1971) or other analogues and the generalizability (G) coefficient for a single facet design, and discusses the use and interpretation of G theory in the study of interrater agreement when data are measured on a nominal scale. (SLD)

It is argued that ordinal statistical methods are often more appropriate than their more common counterparts because conclusions will be unaffected by monotonic transformation of the variables; they are more statistically robust when used appropriately; and they often correspond more closely to the researcher's goals. (SLD)

Studied calibration designs that maximize the determinants of Fisher's information matrix on the item parameters for sets of polytomously scored items. Analyzed these items using a number of item response theory models. Results show that for the data and models used, a D-optimal calibration design for an answer or set of answers can reduce the…

Questions traditional approach to validating employment interview. Notes that individuals are likely to differ in ability to accurately predict employee behavior and that interviewers often differ in their constant tendency to make favorable or unfavorable ratings. Researchers, by failing to consider these tendencies, may inappropriately collapse…

Findings from randomized clinical trial revealed that procedures intended to protect psychotherapy blind were only modestly effective but comparable to standard procedures used to maintain pharmacotherapy blinds. Accuracy of guessing each form of treatment (psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy) was not independent of other. Findings suggest importance…

Discussion of the Internet as a source of information focuses on the question of whether the Internet provides a representative subset of the known body of knowledge and information. Highlights include the knowledge comparison function; and the significance of information equivalence as a basis for setting goals for Internet research policy. (LRW)

Examined Type I error rates and power for four tests for treatment control studies in which a larger treatment mean may be accompanied by a larger treatment variance and examined these aspects of the independent samples "t" test and the Welch test. Evaluated each test and suggested conditions for the use of each approach. (SLD)

Three techniques were used in a multiple-method case study to explore students' conceptions of geography within a qualitative framework, employing aspects of phenomenology, ethnography and grounded theory. The context of the research is briefly outlined, and then the methodological framework and nature of the data yielded are discussed in more…

Studies examining a relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and relative visual inattention towards left space have produced inconsistent results. Here, based on previous studies with adult neurological patients who show very severe inattention to the left, we examine whether any spatial bias in ADHD may be modulated…

The motivation for this article is our belief that theory is critically important but currently underplayed in design research studies. We seek to characterize and illustrate a genre of theorizing that seems to us strongly synergistic with design-based research. We begin by drawing contrasts with kinds of theory that are relevant but, we contend,…

There are two significant problems in using functional neuroimaging methods to study language. Improving the state of functional brain imaging will depend on understanding how the dependent measure of brain imaging differs from behavioral dependent measures (the ''dependent measure problem'') and how the activation of the motor system may be…

In this response, I advocate for the value of considering theory in the design-based research that Gersten describes in Behind the Scenes of an Intervention Research Study. I argue that such an emphasis: is consistent with the literature on design experiments, is integral to advancing knowledge building within domains, serves to advance the work…

Critical thinking (CT), or the ability to engage in purposeful, self-regulatory judgment, is widely recognized as an important, even essential, skill. This article describes an ongoing meta-analysis that summarizes the available empirical evidence on the impact of instruction on the development and enhancement of critical thinking skills and…