This paper discusses the nature of natural and social sciences in order to point out the need for adapting standard logic more appropriately to a design approach. The IDEALS CONCEPT, an acronym for Ideal Design for Effective and Logical Systems, is presented as a move toward a calculus of design methodology with an emphasis on problem orientation…

Two new directions for strengthening the evaluation and research efforts of school districts are discussed. The first direction is in developing a methodology for clarifying and systematizing formative evaluations; the second is in improving the attitude survey capabilities of school districts. (DB)

This article establishes guidelines for conducting and evaluating research projects according to a scientific methodology. The organizational format suggested here follows an outline with elements and details that should be considered in an investigation. Each part of the proposed outline is explained, and terms are defined. Project evaluation is…

It is a maxim in decision making that individuals who are affected by decisions should partake in making these decisions. The purpose of this paper is to examine practices in decision making in the field of curriculum in light of this maxim. (Author)

Humphreys' comments on double-median splits (TM 504 009) are essentially correct, but are not relevant to the original Kirby and Das article (EJ 182 444). His comments do not weaken our findings. (Author/RD)

This note shows that, under conditions specified by Levin and Subkoviak (TM 503 420), it is not necessary to specify the reliabilities of observed scores when comparing completely randomized designs with randomized block designs. Certain errors in their illustrative example are also discussed. (Author/CTM)

Comments (TM 503 706) on an earlier article (TM 503 420) concerning the comparison of the completely randomized design and the randomized block design are acknowledged and appreciated. In addition, potentially misleading notions arising from these comments are addressed and clarified. (See also TM 503 708). (Author/CTM)

This note continues the discussion of earlier articles (TM 503 420, TM 503 706, and TM 503 707), comparing the completely randomized design with the randomized block design. (CTM)

Personal and telephone surveys are compared to measure differences between the modes for identical questions. Speed of questioning is greater in telephone interviews, and so open-ended items in telephone interviews yield shorter answers. Reduced responses are disproportionately exhibited by younger, affluent respondents, who often provide detailed…

Cronbach, in 1957, supported the unification of two disciplines of scientific psychology--the correlational and experimental approaches. The remaining papers in this journal issue--which served as the basis for a 1978 American Educational Research Association Symposium--address this issue. (Author/RD)

The controversy surrounding regression methods for unbalanced factorial designs is addressed. The statistical hypotheses being tested under the various methods, as well as salient issues in the use of these methods, are discussed. The use of statistical computer packages is also discussed. (Author/JKS)

Discusses factor analysis using Rummel's 26-item checklist of essential information that ought to be presented in the published report of a factor analytic study as a guideline for reviewing relevant articles. (JEG)

Provided are explanations of how research works, different approaches to research (naturalistic observation, correctional analysis, the experiment method, the theoretic and compendium approaches), and some of the problems inherent in research methodology in an attempt to encourage practitioners in the field of blindness to use and engage in…

The authors respond to Winograd's critique (TM 503 198) of their previous article on the contributions of artificial intelligence to the scientific study of language (EJ 161 384). Winograd's interpretations of the "Chomskian paradigm," and of statements made in Dresher and Hornstein's original paper, are challenged. (GDC)

The nature of experimental designs in the evaluation of educational programs is addressed in this commentary on the evaluation of the Emergency School Aid Act and a paper detailing that evaluation (TM 503 672). (JKS)