The mission of "Communication Education" is to publish the best research on communication and learning. Researchers study the communication-learning interface in many ways, but a common approach is to explore how instructor and student communication can lead to better learning outcomes. Although scholars have long classified learning…

Abikoff, Gittelman-Klein, and Klein validated a behavioral observation system for use with hyperactive children. Authors selected a used coding system, trained observers to monitor classroom behavior of hyperactive children, and evaluated reliability, stability, and criterion-related validity of the system. Methodology was reviewed. Suggestions…

Results indicate that short forms of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory may not be accurate substitutes for the standard form in predicting objective measures of psychopathology. Newmark et al, however, reassert their findings that short forms are indeed accurate substitutes. (Author/BEF)

Six papers explore applications/implications of the unity thesis in discrete areas of educational research. The unity thesis argues that knowledge is all of a piece and allows for methodological diversity in educational research. Topics include a coherentist validity theory; policy analysis; hermeneutics; meta-analysis; and coherentist empiricism…

Concludes that there is no evidence for differential validity in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) between racial subgroups and that black norms for the MMPI are premature. Criticism of these findings is also presented. (Author/BEF)

The six articles of this special section address the organizational context that shapes utilization of mental health services, the relevance of data elements and results to decision making, and assuring the validity of evaluation results. Theoretical and practical concerns are considered. (SLD)

Concept mapping is a structured conceptualization that can be used by groups to develop a conceptual framework that guides evaluation or planning. Twelve papers discuss concept mapping in evaluation/planning in terms of theory development; measurement, construct validity, and pattern matching; outcome assessment and internal validity;…