Compares qualitative and quantitative data, identifies common qualitative methods, describes a step-by-step process for gathering and analyzing qualitative data, and discusses two applications of the process to Extension. (Author)

Measures of agreement for ordinal-scaled data are suggested that make use of the k categories with the highest ranks. The proposed measures are applied to the Self-Directed Search in order to evaluate its agreement with self-assessment (translation ability) or with the work environment (congruence). (Author)

Epstein (1974) claims evidence for regular two-year growth spurts in the development of brain and mind, a phenomenon he calls phrenoblysis. Unfortunately, repeated analysis of the data he presents as proof of his theory provides no support. (Author/RH)

Statistical issues concerning the analysis of multilevel data common in educational studies are discussed. Computer simulation results are presented to argue for a modification of two currently popular approaches to multilevel or contextual analytical procedures. (JKS)

Factor analysis programs in SAS, BMDP, and SPSS are discussed and compared in terms of documentation, methods and options available, internal logic, computational accuracy, and results provided. Based on these comparisons, preferences for SAS and against SPSS factor analysis programs are recommended. (Author/JKS)

Missing data is an important issue that is discussed across many fields. In order to understand the issues caused by missing data, this paper reviews the types of missing data and problems caused by missing data. Also, to understand how missing data are handled in instructional technology research, articles published in "Educational Media…

This paper identifies specific problems with stepwise regression, notes criticisms of stepwise methods by statisticians, suggests appropriate ways in which stepwise procedures can be used, and gives examples of how this can be done. Although the stepwise method has been routinely criticized by statisticians, it is still frequently used in the…

This Digest, intended as an instructional aid for beginning research students and a refresher for researchers in the field, identifies key factors that play a critical role in determining the credibility that should be given to a specific research study. The needs for empirical research, randomization and control, and significance testing are…

Missing data occur in virtually every study. This paper reviews some of the various strategies for addressing this problem. The paper also provides instructional detail on two accessible ways of estimating missing data, both using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows: (1) substitution of missing values with the variable mean…

This document provides some examples of questions that might be asked about research design and analysis, or that might be used in test construction. The accompanying answers form a basic discussion of research design and analysis techniques. Short-answer constructed response answers are provided for questions about: (1) control in an experiment;…

An analysis is given of a survey appeal made in the November 1972 issue of Social Education in which readers were asked to supply evaluative information on social studies materials they were using. (Author/KM)

Article reported the results of a two day task force on teacher certification. (RK)

Article describes the principal findings of research on the characteristics of second chance transfer students at Milton College in the 1969 school year. (Authors)

Results of experiments have demonstrated the reliability of a spatial attribute of memory for verbal recall of text material. (Authors)

Results were interpreted as demonstrating that the operation of pairing tokens with trinkets makes the tokens reinforcing. (Author)