There is a growing body of evidence indicating that people often overestimate the similarity between characteristics of random samples and those of the populations from which they are drawn. This paper: reviews studies that have attempted to determine whether the basic heuristic employed in thinking about random samples is passive and descriptive…

From the perspective of the student audience, the general results of the study suggest that, as teacher custodialism increases, the more robust are acts of student brinksmanship, the less robust is the teacher's pupil control behavior, and the less the teacher is liked by students. (Author)

Describes quantitative and qualitative inquiry methods and demonstrates how both approaches can be incorporated into data collection techniques for school improvement. Whereas quantitative data are essential to describe the consistent, rational aspects of a school, qualitative data provide an indepth view based on perceptions and impressions. Both…

Provides examples of the use of computer simulation to help beginners develop a grasp for difficult statistical concepts. The implementation of this teaching methodology is discussed and analysis of simulation output through use of standard statistical software packages is illustrated. (Author/MBR)

Defines educational research as a systematic attempt to find answers to puzzling or confusing questions that fall into four categories: descriptions, relations between factors, searches for causes of given phenomena, and searches for consequences. Illustrates qualitative research by using a case study and quantitative research by describing…

Discusses experiences in elementary statistics that involve describing data by measures of central tendency and dispersion and that are appropriate for students in secondary schools. Includes background information, instructional strategies, procedures, and a ready-to-duplicate student worksheet. (JN)

A simple approach to cost-benefit analysis of industrial training is presented that uses easily obtainable data. Results regarding the social rate of return to company training suggest a shift of resources from individuals to companies. Comparisons between returns to company training and to institutional training are also presented. (MD)

Discusses how computational errors arise in analysis of data and how they can be minimized. Shows that all computations are subject to roundoff/truncation errors and how such errors are propagated and influence the stability and condition of a reaction. Applications to procedures used in analytical chemistry are addressed. (JN)

This report presents a new analysis of student achievement scores and educational progress for states on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Results based on score quartiles show that states are generally making more progress in mathematics achievement than in reading, good readers are getting better at the same time weak readers are…

This is part 3 of a 3-part report on a survey conducted in Fall 1999 of salaries and wages in public schools. The purpose of the survey is to provide school administrators and others concerned with the determination of salaries and wages for public-school personnel with data useful in comparing employee compensation in school systems of similar…

Different kinds of financial data are needed by different levels of management and in different areas of support. Accounting principles for nonprofit organizations need to be determined. Accrual accounting principles, fund accounting, restricted and unrestricted funds, etc., are described. (MLW)

Emphasizes the importance of computer instruction and statistical methods and suggests ways in which instructors of geography on the college level can alleviate student fears. Tips include discussing geography as a science, explaining the relevance of the scientific method to a specific research problem in geography, and introducing problem…

Presents a method for teaching sampling that uses hypothetical, small-scale target populations. Suggests that this method can best introduce the basic concepts of sampling in the context of a concrete example. Uses actual data collected from the class in order to provide a hands-on experience. Notes some potential limitations of the approach. (KO)

Described are analytical applications of the theory of random processes, in particular solutions obtained by using statistical procedures known as Monte Carlo techniques. Supercomputer simulations, sampling, integration, ensemble, annealing, and explicit simulation are discussed. (CW)

Explains the rise and fall of the oil cartel by applying an elasticity of demand analysis. Beginning from the demand side of the market, offers a simple derivation of the elasticity of demand for the cartel's product. Maintains that method helps undergraduates comprehend basic properties, requiring only an understanding of the elasticities of…