Addresses the criteria for judging the credibility of inquiries conducted within the naturalistic inquiry paradigm, defines naturalistic inquiry, explicates how the proposed criteria are dealt with in conventional inquiry, and outlines a mode for dealing with them within the naturalistic paradigm. Twenty-six sources are listed. (FM)

Describes an analytical approach to scoring essay questions that involves four steps: (1) specifying features answers to the essay question should contain; (2) specifying criteria for judging adequacy of those features; (3) assigning point values to those criteria; and (4) reading student answers, using the criteria to determine their scores.…

Proposes criteria for evaluating research reviews. (FL)

Evaluation of information found on the Internet requires the same assessment of reliability, credibility, perspective, purpose and author credentials as required with print materials. Things to check include whether the source is from a moderated or unmoderated list or FTP (file transfer protocol) site; directories for affiliation and biographical…

Proposes a method for synthesizing findings within mixed-method program evaluations. The proposed method uses a set of criteria and analytic techniques to assess the worth of each data source or type and to establish what each says about program effect. Once data are on a common scale, simple mathematics allows synthesis across data sources or…

Use of the bootstrap method to approximate the sampling variation of eigenvalues is explicated, and its usefulness is amplified by an illustration in conjunction with two commonly used factor criteria. These criteria are eigenvalues larger than one and the Scree test. (TJH)

Defines multimedia and briefly discusses its history, and details the elements comprising information systems and products. Asserts that the context for evaluating multimedia materials is based in the various layers of the system, and that multimedia materials will be more complex to evaluate than earlier generations of electronic information…

Explains the purpose of book reviews and gives guidelines and criteria for reviewing, using published examples. Suggests ways to develop a critical perspective. (SK)

Discusses what illustrations can do for technical communication projects. Presents criteria for deciding when to use illustrations and for choosing appropriate and effective illustrations. Discusses working with an illustrator. (SR)

A mnemonic is suggested to help evaluators remember the five guiding principles of evaluation developed by the American Evaluation Association. A character from F. Baum's "Wizard of Oz" is associated with each of these: (1) systematic inquiry; (2) competence; (3) respect for people; (4) responsibility to general and public welfare; and…

Discusses the concept of readability and examines readability formulae. Examines the linguistic criteria that from the basis for readability scores and argues that the criteria commonly used in readability do not constitute a satisfactory basis for assessing reading difficulty. (Author/VWL)

Provides a conceptual framework for the development of scoring procedures for performance assessments. The framework considers: (1) aspects of the performance to be scored; (2) criteria to evaluate aspects of the performance; (3) development of scoring criteria; and (4) application of scoring criteria. (SLD)

Describes a program by Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College to raise admission standards for new freshmen. Analyzes the steps taken to balance long-term quality against short-term concerns. (EV)

Discussion of the evaluation of digital libraries suggests a conceptual framework for evaluation. Reviews evaluation efforts in research and practice; examines the derivation of criteria used in evaluation; states the essential requirements for evaluation; and discuses constructs, context, and criteria of digital libraries. (Contains 20…

Reviews alternative methods of scoring a scale, evaluating the methods found in two journal volumes against seven articulated criteria, representing the information conveyed by each in an example. Converting scores to the percent of maximum possible score (POMP) is shown to provide useful additional information in many cases. (SLD)