The authors cite problems but regard meta-analysis as an improvement over traditional methods of research integration. Advantages are increased objectivity, freedom from arbitrary levels of statistical significance, and potential to relate an array of independent variables to effect size. Disadvantages include questionable reliability of ratings…

The present article reviews the procedures that have been developed for measuring the reliability of human observers' judgments when making direct observations of behavior. These include the percentage of agreement, Cohen's Kappa, phi, and univariate and multivariate agreement measures that are based on quasi-equiprobability and quasi-independence…

Explains the characteristics and importance of random assignment in experimental research on education. Considers factors supporting causal inferences, the nature of "assignment units," differences between random sampling and random assignment, the characteristics of randomization tests, forms of random assignment, and effects of experimental…

Calls three lessons to be learned from John Goodlad's book, "A Place Called School," to the attention of Catholic educators: public schools are doing a satisfactory job, school climate is an important factor in satisfaction, and researchers' personal biases may influence their recommendations. (DMM)

Investigators interested in conducting school health research face many challenges. This article focuses on an analysis of research designs and measurement issues that most frequently confront school health researchers. (Author/DF)

The use of large-N group comparison research methods based on a nomothetic model is compared with idiographic methods employing single-system designs and intensive study of the individual. Limitations of the nomothetic model and advantages of the idiographic approach are presented. (SK)

The review of current evaluation practice indicates a failure to provide information relevant to policy makers and service consumers due to investigation of restricted range of outcomes, inattention to ecological context of behavior, and methodological weaknesses. Promising directions in measuring quality of life and pertinent environmental…

Discusses the issues surrounding changes in the quantity and quality of kindergarten programing. The problems of conducting research comparing the over-all effectiveness of three types of kindergarten schedules are described. The controversial aspects of each are illustrated. Such kindergarten programs are improved by quality planning, curriculum…

Outlines the recent transition, within educational research, from conflict to cooperation between quantitative and qualitative approaches. Asserts that compatibility is based on a confusion between method as technique and method as logic of justification. Argues that the claim of compatibility cannot be sustained and blocks an interesting and…

Reports aspects of a case study of educational politics relating to early childhood education in California. Confirms the complex and political nature of evaluation and lists evaluation dilemmas played out in the policy arena. (RH)

Notes that major changes have occurred in the factors investigated and the data collection procedures employed in teacher effectiveness research and that the generalizability of significant findings continues to be limited by methodological and experimental design problems. (FL)

The review examines evaluations of the efficacy of special education programs for mildly disabled children. The author suggests that serious methodological flaws make our present knowledge in this area very weak and proposes a methodology to address and overcome many of the limitations of previous research. (Author)

The argument made by Gaffuri, Wrench, Karr, and Kopp (Teaching of Psychology; v9 p229-30 1982) that student ratings of instruction are correlated with and possibly biased by grades is critiqued. (RM)

Linda Flower and John Hayes respond to Marilyn Cooper and Michael Holzman's "Talking About Protocols," pointing out errors in their understanding of protocol analysis and a study in which the data appear to contradict what Cooper and Holzman assume the researchers should see. Includes reply by Cooper and Holzman. (HTH)

The article presents a critical overview of research on the integration of moderately mentally handicapped children in Ontario schools. Findings suggest that the literature is still inconclusive or, at best, equivocal. Indeed, like their predecessors, recent studies have been based, for the most part, on descriptive or impressionistic evidence.…