Utilizes rehabilitation staff members (N=305) to replicate the results of an earlier study that described effective leaders of treatment teams. Results of analysis of participants' responses to the Team Atmosphere Questionnaire are described. Discusses implication for training effective leaders for rehabilitation teams. (Author/MKA)

Explains genetic algorithms, a means of generating logical rules that predict one variable by relating it to others. Describes how they can be applied to analysis of survey data. (SK)

Reexamines the reliability and validity of the Peabody Individual Achievement Test-Revised (PIAT-R) and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT) Written Expression scoring systems, applying theory and more appropriate statistical analyses. The WIAT written-expression scoring system was found to have more items that were both reliable and…

Focuses on the practical effects of using different statistical treatments with omitted and not-reached items in an item-response theory application. The strategy selected for scoring such items has considerable impact on the interpretation of results for individual or group-level assessments. (Author/SLD)

Rough set theory is a new mathematical tool to deal with vagueness and uncertainty. Computational methods are presented for using rough sets to identify classes in datasets, finding dependencies in relations, and discovering rules which are hidden in databases. The methods are illustrated with a running example from a database of car test results.…

Develops and analyzes four algorithms for feature selection in the context of rough set methodology. Experimental results confirm the expected relationship between the time complexity of these algorithms and the classification accuracy of the resulting upper classifiers. When compared, results of upper classifiers perform better than lower…

The Cloutterbuck Minimum Data Matrix is designed to generate a base of consumer information for critical analysis and synthesis to produce health care outcomes. The interdisciplinary teaching tool helps students recognize the diversity of health care consumers. (SK)

Provides an outline of the framework for conducting a literature review based on experiences in reviewing the literature on the epidemiology of mentally disordered offenders. The approach covers the key areas of: (1) definition of the problem and criteria for inclusion and exclusion; (2) the search strategy; (3) criteria for the evaluation of…

Reviews the role of exploratory data analysis (EDA) for spatial data mining and presents a case study addressing environmental risk assessments in New York State to illustrate the feasibility and usability of augmenting seriation for spatial data analysis. Describes augmentation with multimedia tools to understand relationships among spatial,…

Compares qualitative and quantitative methods. Proposes critical incident technique as an appropriate tool for workplace and classroom settings. Describes its components, including interview techniques, coding of interview themes, data analysis, and drawing conclusions. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

Presents an approach to conducting a top-level analysis of training management functions when there are problems within a training system. Highlights include data gathering and analyses of a training system; training management functions and activities, including planning, staffing, development, and evaluation and feedback; and development of root…

Outlines a group method for teaching the analysis of textual data. The experiential method involves coding, categorizing, and achieving consensus on the categories. (SK)

Uses the visual and programming capabilities of the graphing calculator to discern both differences and similarities between two independent collections of sample data. (MKR)

Adolescents are at high risk for preventable health problems, but it is difficult for many researchers to obtain primary data. Secondary analysis of existing data is a reasonable alternative. This method saves time and money and allows for a more diverse sample. However, the data may have questionable internal validity and lack documentation.…

Focuses on children creating representations on paper for situations that change over time. Articulates the distinction between homogeneous and heterogeneous spaces and reflects on children's tendency to create hybrids between them. (Author/MM)