Examines difficulties with citation analysis as it is used to study citation frequency, usually for the evaluation of scientists, publications, or institutions. Topics addressed include selection of a control set of papers, comparisons of different types of papers (e.g., methodological or theoretical), effects of independent variables, and use of…

This commentary on EC 603 695 argues that significance testing is a necessary but insufficient condition for positivistic research, that judgment-based assessment and single-subject research are not substitutes for significance testing, and that sampling fluctuation should be considered as one of numerous epistemological concerns in any…

Presents a model of four factors differentiating significant from routine research--behavioral patterns of problem formulation, economic analyses of information seeking, psychological schemes of optimal effort, and basic dilemmas of the theory-practice gap. Within this context, four myths dominating the research process in library and information…

Identifies and explains some of the crucial elements of team research and data analysis, points out common pitfalls, and makes some helpful suggestions. Sections include general recommendations and communicating in statistical language. (ZWH)

This article reviews 66 studies which used applied behavior analysis to change the behaviors of students with visual disabilities. It documents the participants, targeted behaviors, procedures used, outcomes, and follow-up. The article offers recommendations for future researchers on the selection of subjects, target behaviors, appropriate…

PhD and EdD dissertations were compared for research design, statistics, target populations, significance of results, age of subjects, and other characteristics. Analysis of 1,007 PhD and 960 EdD dissertations found PhD dissertations had more multivariate statistics and wider generalizability. EdD dissertations were more prevalent in educational…

In the studies described, focus groups were conducted with recreation administrators, special-interest groups, and the general public to determine needs and opinions about recreation and leisure activities. The ways in which the groups elicited information about the needs, language, and history of the community are discussed. (SLD)

This study comparing momentary time sampling against the real time obtained with handheld computers confirmed laboratory findings that short-elementary time sampling estimates percentage time accurately for a wide range of behavior frequencies and durations, and suggested that observers using momentary time sampling in a natural setting are able…

An efficient search procedure is presented for determining the optimal number of observations of facets in a design that maximize generalizability when resource constraints are imposed. The procedure is illustrated for three-facet and four-facet designs, with extensions for other configurations. (Author/SLD)

An author of a paper (EC 602 060) that presents two causal models of learning disabilities comments on his interest in the research, how the research design developed, limitations of the research, and the need for replication with other disability groups. (JDD)

Effects of response guided experimentation in applied behavior analysis on Type I error rates are explored. Data from T. A. Matyas and K. M. Greenwood (1990) suggest that, when visual inspection is combined with response guided experimentation, Type I error rates can be as high as 25%. (SLD)

A metanalysis involving 62 studies compared the response rate to mailed surveys with and without a monetary gratuity. The average response rate increased 19% when a gratuity was enclosed. Other findings that substantiate that the external validity of surveys can be increased by gratuities are discussed. (SLD)

Analysis of 50 empirical classroom-oriented investigations of second-language learning concludes that there is a need for more contextualized research; extended theoretical bases of research; an extended range of research tools, techniques, and methods; reevaluation of the distinctions between process- and product-oriented research; and more…

Describes efforts by 2 researchers (an anthropologist and a psychologist) to conduct collaborative research on teachers and teacher education, drawing on 10 years of work and literature on interdisciplinary collaboration. The article emphasizes issues important in remaining true to each discipline, and it notes the role of compromise. (SM)

Asserts that discussing micro-macro issues is central to developing communication research and that theory should be developed and tested through research designs that span the traditional domains of social science. States that this special issue of "Communication Research" explores interpersonal interaction and the interaction of the…