Some interpretations of relative variable importance in the contexts of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and discriminant analysis (DA) are presented. Some indices potentially useful for the interpretations are presented, and the assessment of variable importance is illustrated using real data sets. Both descriptive discriminant analysis…

A stepwise canonical procedure, including two selection indices for variable deletion and a rule for stopping the iterative procedure, was derived as a method of selecting core variables from predictors and criteria. The procedure was applied to simulated data varying in the degree of built in structures in population correlation matrices, number…

Describes a study that was conducted to establish empirically a set of instructional design project success indicators and to determine whether stakeholder perspective influences the importance attached to those indicators. Seven project success indicators were identified, suggesting that the common evaluation models are incomplete. (Author/LRW)

The authors state that multiple regression is a powerful method of statistical analysis, provides a strength of relationship index, and should replace analysis of variance (ANOVA) in educational research. They also discuss the coding of categorical variables and available computer programs for multiple regression. (Author/MH)

Describes a study that was conducted to determine whether distance education learners experience anxiety, based on results of a survey of 222 University of Southern Queensland students. Anxiety toward instructional materials and variables that affect students' perceptions of factors that affect their anxiety are discussed. (LRW)

Describes study that compared the performance of high achieving and low achieving undergraduates on two computer assisted instruction modules, one in which learners were forced to review informational frames following errors and one where the review was optional. Dependent and collateral variables are discussed and criterion referenced tests used…

Discusses results from a meta-analysis that synthesized existing research comparing the effects of hypermedia versus other forms of instruction on students' achievement. Results suggest that the effects of using hypermedia are positive over non-hypermedia, but the effects may vary depending on what type of instruction hypermedia is compared to.…

Two studies of influences on self-regulated performance were conducted. The purpose of the first was to determine if the level of performance of college students would be higher if the allowable length of the assignment was greater or smaller. Subjects were 126 education majors at a large state university participating in an extra-credit program…

Describes study that investigated the effects of well-designed computer-assisted instruction (CAI) versus poorly designed CAI on college students' computing behavior, quality of prewriting, and attitudes toward the instruction. Comparisons are made with paper versions of both CAI displays, and guidelines for CAI design are presented. (38…

This paper was intended to promote a deeper understanding of a statistical method called balancing developed by National Assessment of Educational Progress. Problems in estimating main effects when populations are disproportionate, balancing solutions to these problems, methods equivalent to balancing, interpretation of balanced results, and some…

This study of 87 veterinary medical students at Auburn University tests the effectiveness and student acceptance of interactive videodisc as an alternative to animal experimentation and other traditional teaching methods in analyzing canine cardiovascular sounds. Results of the questionnaire used are presented, and benefits of interactive video…

This paper reports the results of a Monte Carlo investigation of Type I errors in the single group repeated measures design where multiple measures are collected from each observational unit at each measurement occasion. The Type I error of three multivariate tests were examined. These were the doubly multivariate F test, the multivariate mixed…

The Child Abuse Potential Inventory was completed by 56 Head Start staff. Because the Head Start program creates an environment where staff work almost exclusively with parents or with children, it was possible to examine the perceived differences among workers attracted to child or parent work. Scores for classroom and non-classroom staff were…

Analyzes data from a longitudinal investigation of reading ability in New Zealand children, ages 7-13. Children with lower reading abilities at age 13 were compared with children who were slow starters but had normal reading abilities at age 13 in an effort to identify predictors of reading progress. (22 references) (Author/LRW)

Describes study that investigated the relationship between participation in a business simulation game and performance on a final exam in a principles of marketing course. Past research on business games is reviewed; the use of midterm exam performance level as a pretest variable is explained; and question classification is described. (44…