A study used a multivariate approach to assessing college departmental excellence. Factor analysis identified three potentially useful factor clusters ("faculty research,""input," and "student") and seven indicators based on those clusters. Indicators combining faculty research and input and combining all three clusters were found to be the best…

The effects of various interactive video instructional control options and practice on learning were examined in this study. The interactive video lesson was a 30-minute videotape designed to introduce cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Subjects were 48 graduate and undergraduate volunteers, none of whom had prior experience with CPR or…

A statistical method has been developed for nested incomplete samples in a longitudinal study in which part of the sample has dropped out in such a way that the data have a nested pattern. A procedure which performed well in a Monte Carlo experiment was extended to a two-factor incomplete design with repeated measures on one factor. Methods…

Kohn's work on the relationship between social class and parental values was expanded by searching for value dimensions other than Kohn's self-direction/conformity construct and by investigating three aspects of social structure: immigrant status, quality of neighborhood, and housing type. Data were collected from parents of 305 9- to 11-year-old…

This analysis examines the factors associated with a positive attitude toward the funding of local schools. Using data from a 1984 survey of 1,000 Illinois residents, the analysis found that attentiveness to local school issues was the strongest predictor of a positive attitude toward school spending. Suburban residents were less likely to be…

Examination of whether annual book budgets have kept pace with demands compares academic library book budgets in Germany and the United States in the mid-20th century with budgets of earlier years, taking into account annual book and serial production; costs of books; and the number of courses, faculty, and students. (Author/CLB)

Uses data from survey of 880 Kentucky farm women to present theoretical framework integrating microsocial, household economy, and farm structural perspectives to explain gender allocation of farm-specific tasks and decision making. Finds self-identity validated by participation in farm tasks/decision making, but, overall, women indicate low levels…

Reports an experimental study of 80 ninth grade biology students randomly assigned to treatment and control groups to determine whether the use of human examples in instructional strategies on Mendelian genetics increases acquisition and retention of genetics concepts. Results indicate that use of human examples in contrast to traditional examples…

Psychometric theory has been one of psychology's stronger foundations and a major contributor to the recognition of psychology as a scientific discipline. Basic principles of psychometric theory led to the development of respected intelligence tests and large and comprehensive testing and assessment programs. This paper synthesizes major…

The effect of computer-assisted instruction on spatial problem solving skills was examined in this study. Subjects were fifth grade students from nine classes, who were divided into three treatment groups in a nonrandom fashion: (1) computer-assisted group, which used computer software designed to help students improve spatial problem solving…

The technique of multivariate analysis is particularly suited to educational needs assessment research because it allows for the summarization of data across any number of learners or components of educational need to produce a single numerical index of need for each skill examined. In the needs assessment process, educational or training need is…

A study identified the variables affecting the vocational choice of college women. During the research project, a 97-item instrument entitled the Work Interest Questionnaire (WIQ) was developed and administered to 437 undergraduate female students enrolled at a large Midwestern university. The subjects were selected based on their varying fields…

This study examined the effectiveness of elements by the thematic-fantasy play training paradigm in facilitating story recall of 192 disadvantaged kindergartners and first graders. Results include: adult tuition did not facilitate story recall; and fantasy enactment affected immediate but not maintained story recall. (BS)

This study examined whether differences exist in the adjustment of young adults in community settings across levels of mental retardation for four dependent variables, using parametric multivariate analysis of variance, nonparametric multivariate analysis of variance, multiple nonparametric analyses of variance, and multinomial logistic…

The study sought to identify clusters of variables potentially linked to departmental excellence in institutions of higher education, and to determine whether these clusters and combinations thereof could be used to generate rankings of programs which would be consistent with those based on reputation. It studied the interrelationship of…