The recommendation to use group means when there may be nonindependence among observational units is unduly restrictive. When random factors are properly identified and included in the analysis, the results are identical in balanced analysis of variance designs, irrespective of whether group means or individual observations are employed.…

A meta-analysis of outcomes from 32 studies investigating pretest effects was conducted. For all outcomes the average effect size was +.22, indicating an elevating effect of pretest on posttest. Duration of time between pre- and posttesting was also related to effect size. Researchers should continue to include pretest as a design variable.…

A general framework for conducting generalizability analyses is presented. Generalizability theory is extended to situations in which the objects of measurement are not persons but other factors, such as instructional objectives, stages of learning, and treatments. (Author/PN)

Presents conceptual framework for organization of factors (independent variables) affecting online bibliographic retrieval. Roles that variables play in research studies are described and examples considering various elements--setting, user, request, database, search system, searcher, search process, search outcome--are provided. Twenty-one…

Argues that the routine use of experimental or quasi experimental designs in educational research often constrains the value of its conclusions. Also critizes educational research for its atheoretical nature and its paucity of conceptual frameworks. (GC)

Reviews over 100 school-based outcome studies concerning humanistic education. Describes evaluation features (i.e., sample size, design), five categories of findings (discipline, achievement, intrapersonal functioning, interpersonal functioning, and extrapersonal functioning), and uses five studies as examples. Also discusses the influences of the…

At Linkoping University in Sweden, research is organized with both interdisciplinary and problem-oriented approaches, organized in broad problem areas or themes instead of by discipline. The four themes are Public Health and Medical Care in the Community, Human Communication, Technology and Social Change, and Water in Nature and Society.…

Describes the national study of the characteristics of schools undertaken in John Goodlad's "A Study of Schooling" and why it is a landmark in American education. (JM)

Analysis of the assumptions underlying the stakeholder approach to evaluation combined with the limited experience in testing the approach reported in this volume, suggests that some claims are cogent and others problematical. (Author)

Two methods for dividing an interrupted time-series study between baseline and experimental phases when study resources are limited are compared. In fixed designs, the baseline duration is predetermined. In flexible designs the baseline duration is contingent on remaining resources and the match of results to prior expectations of the evaluator.…

When measuring the same variables on different occasions, two procedures for canonical analysis with stationary compositing weights are developed. Both methods are extended to allow for cohort sequential designs and a numerical illustration is presented. (Author/JKS)

The methodology suggested in this paper employs a selection rule for identifying group members that generates groups that have a range of achievement within groups but equal distribution of raw scores between. (Author/BW)

LISREL V computer program is applied to a weak quasi-experimental design involving the Head Start program, as a multiple analysis attempt to assure that differences between nonequivalent control groups do not confound interpretation of a posteriori differences. (PN)

A properly conducted evaluation can help a school find the strengths and weaknesses of a sexuality education program. The basic ground rules are presented. (Author/MLF)