Instructional conceptions are students' ideas about relationships between instructional features of a learning environment or specific instructional interventions on the one hand, and learning on the other (Lowyck, Elen, & Clarebout, 2004). A variety of methods have been used to assess such conceptions. None of these instruments are satisfactory.…

This article proposes a theory- and practice-based model for adapting physical activities. The ecological frame of reference includes Dynamic and Action System Theory, World Health Organization International Classification of Function and Disability, and Adaptation Theory. A systematic model is presented addressing (a) the task objective, (b) task…

This paper provides a framework for developing sampling designs in mixed methods research. First, we present sampling schemes that have been associated with quantitative and qualitative research. Second, we discuss sample size considerations and provide sample size recommendations for each of the major research designs for quantitative and…

Pragmatic language skills are important for developing relationships with others, and for communicating with a range of interlocutors in a variety of contexts, including preschool and elementary school classrooms. Pragmatic language difficulties frequently are a primary area of disability for children diagnosed with autism, Asperger's syndrome,…

Experiments offer more reliable evidence on causation than observational studies, which is not to gainsay the contribution to knowledge from observation. Experiments should be analyzed as experiments, not as observational studies. A simple comparison of rates might be just the right tool, with little value added by "sophisticated" models. This…

In the 1980s, a third methodological movement began in the social and behavioral sciences. This movement, known as mixed-methods research, is the focus of this article. Major issues related to mixed methodologies are discussed along with the strengths and weaknesses of this approach and various design typologies. Two mixed-methods studies related…

An exploratory case study was designed to obtain pre­service teachers' expectations of and attitudes toward the learning and integrating of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into their teaching and learning. Given the diverse demographic backgrounds and social conditions of the teacher candidates, such as age, gender, English…

Though cognitive science has given psychology a new, more detailed and specific way of expressing models of cognition, correspondingly detailed and precise arguments analyzing and supporting those models have not been forthcoming. Consequently, the new models often fail to meet the traditional criteria of scientific theories. Tools are available…

In applied and experimental research, it has been demonstrated that the extreme groups procedure is more powerful than the standard correlational approach for some values of the correlation and extreme group size. Methods are provided for using the covariance information that is usually discarded in the classical extreme groups approach.…

A study examined the evaluation methods used in 58 top public relation projects, specifically the Silver Anvil winners of 1984 and 1985, to discover how well public relations practitioners are measuring and reporting success. Results indicated that measures of communication effect were most likely to be employed by Silver Anvil winners, measures…

THIS PAPER REVIEWS VARIABLES AND TRENDS IN RESEARCH ON PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION IN MATHEMATICS. IT WAS PRESENTED AT THE AAAS SYMPOSIUM ON LEARNING RESEARCH PERTINENT TO EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT, CLEVELAND, OHIO, DEC. 29, 1963. (LH)

A NATURAL INQUIRY SITUATION WAS CONSTRUCTED WHICH INCLUDED A RANGE OF POTENTIALLY PROBLEMATIC SITUATIONS WHICH COULD BE REACTED TO BY THE SUBJECTS, A ROLE PLAYING SET TO ENGAGE THE SUBJECTS' EMOTIONAL INVESTMENT, AND INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL INFORMATION SOURCES WHICH THE TEACHERS COULD MANIPULATE IN THEIR INQUIRIES. THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY WERE…

THE RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES OF A STUDY COUNCIL ON THE PROBLEM OF MORE EFFECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH FINDINGS WERE REPORTED. THE CAPITAL AREA SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION IN ALBANY, NEW YORK, SURVEYED SCHOOL SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE THEIR MAJOR PROBLEMS AND INTERESTS FOR STUDY AND RESEARCH. MEETINGS WERE HELD TO PLAN PROCEDURES FOR…

AN EVALUATION OF ADULT EDUCATION RESEARCH ON SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS CONDUCTED AT CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS WAS REPORTED. IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS WERE CONDUCTED FOR OCCUPATIONAL, LIBERAL, RELATIONAL, AND LITERACY EDUCATION FUNCTIONS. RESEARCH PROCEDURES WERE (1) TO IDENTIFY, SELECT, AND OBTAIN RESEARCH STUDIES, (2) TO MAKE CRITICAL ANALYSES AND…

The use of overdue notices or threat of encumbrance (the withholding of students' grades until library books are returned) is a common practice in academic libraries. Yet the effectiveness of such policies has seldom been investigated. This study examined a circulation overdue policy, comparing selected variations in that policy. Three levels of…