This article points out that the methodology of educational evaluation has been dominated by scientific assumptions and, then, argues that two concepts--connoisseurship and criticism--yield procedures that could provide a complement to the scientific approaches. (MM)

Some of the procedures and processes of naturalistic research are introduced. These include (1) determining the need for the study, (2) designing it, (3) doing fieldwork, (4) analyzing evidence, and (5) writing a report. (CH)

Examined the comparability of three techniques that are used to assess the dependability of family observational measures: analyses of observer agreement, reliability, and generalizability. Results indicated no single evaluative technique will always be most conservative in estimating the quality of observations. Suggests that multiple assessments…

An analysis of naturalistic observations of 20 children attending a preschool for the gifted suggests that young gifted children behave in a manner similar to unselected preschoolers. However, gifted preschoolers frequently demonstrate advanced knowledge, thinking abilities, creativity, and social maturity. Other observed behaviors include…

Evaluates objective/subjective factor model of parent reports of child characteristcs. A total of 27 mother-report scales were collected when children were 6, l3, 24, and 36 months old; scales measured various contructs of temperament, mother-child relationship, child competence, and problem behavior. Factor analysis of scales indicated that…

Describes the Communication Skills Test (CST), an objective measure of marital interaction. Results of a study using the CST as a pre-post measure of treatment outcome for 28 premarital couples demonstrated that the CST was sensitive to therapeutic changes, identifying increases in communication proficiency for intervention couples. (JAC)

Using a minute-by-minute observational chart, classroom activities and student involvement may be recorded. Such a record is valuable for noting students' and teachers' time on task. (JW)

Presents an integrated family counseling approach that uses observation and intervention in the home setting. Describes advantages of the model, illustrated with several specific examples, and also reviews limitations. (JAC)

In research on the historical present tense, neither interviews nor tape-recorded group sessions proved neutral or adequate. An explanation is found in the notion of a speech event, and simple techniques of participation are advocated. (Author/RM)

The conceptual dualism encountered by psychologists is directly tied to the dialectical nature of the activities behavioral scientists engage in when studying living organisms. Most empirical studies fall on a continuum between correlational and experimental studies with bulges at each extreme. (MS)

This book, an attempt to present a balanced view of qualitative methodology and research, is structured around classic texts by methodological pioneers. It examines these key premises in these texts. Chapters are: (1) "Strangeness and Familiarity"; (2) "From Over-Rapport to Intimacy and Autoethnography"; (3) "Whose Side Are We On?"; (4)…

Observation is an extremely important aspect of science investigations and is one of the process skills that is a focal point in science education. This ERIC Digest describes the importance of process skills, specifically observation, for student learning and discusses implications for teaching and research. (Contains 18 references.) (YDS)

This field guide provides guidance to beginners on how to look for clues to animal activities; remember bird songs; attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to the backyard; develop the skills needed to identify wildflowers; look for distinctive field marks on wildlife; keep an accurate journal of outdoor discoveries; and make on-the-spot…

High-school industrial arts thinking is introduced to the elementary grades through the use of group visits to high school industrial arts departments, one purpose being to expose elementary students to the possibilities of vocational education. (DS)

A total of 93 preschool children viewed either aggressive, prosocial, or neutral programs for four weeks. Observations of behavior before and after the viewing indicated that aggressive children showed increased aggression after watching aggressive programs; prosocial programs increased prosocial behavior. (ST)