Since the telephone interview is often used as a method in survey research, a study was conducted to determine whether use of random digit dialing and sampling by surnames resulted in selection of two different samples from the same ethnic population. A random digit dialing technique was used to conduct interviews with 1,076 Texas residents over…

Various methods have been suggested for the analysis of data collected in research settings where random assignment of subjects to groups has not occurred. For the purposes of this paper the set of allowable nonrandomized designs is made up of those research designs where data are collected for one or more groups of subjects at two or more time…

Surveys, content analyses, and laboratory experiment/judgment task strategies continue to be the dominant research methods used in mass communication research. Some researchers, however, are advocating method triangulation--the use of at least two and as many as five methods within the same study. A manual and computer search of several databases…

The difficulties in collecting data on library inventories and expenditures are discussed first by Heron in a reply to Machlup's earlier book, and then by Machlup in a rebuttal. (LBH)

Setting up a successful interinstitutional data-sharing project involves commonsense guidelines: be clear about what is wanted, take advantage of what already exists, use appropriate technology, staff adequately, recognize institutional differences, and concentrate on achieving insight rather than precision. (Author/MSE)

The future of faculty development programs will benefit most from a systematic assessment of program goals, a factor often ignored or taken for granted while program process and product are evaluated. (MSE)

Describes three basic approaches to needs assessment--problem identification, problem analysis, and problem verification--and assesses them in terms of their potential utility to users in business and educational settings as measured by their estimated time requirement, accuracy, and cost. Needs assessment data collection resources and techniques…

A random selection of course examinations, classified by Bloom's cognitive taxonomy, revealed a pattern of differences between the questions asked at more selective liberal arts colleges and those asked at less selective ones. A framework for describing academic rigor and standards that is based on these findings is presented. (Author/MLW)

Results of this study evaluating library reference service indicate a statistically significant difference at the .05 level between obtrusive and unobtrusive evaluation methods. Library staff answer a greater proportion of questions correctly when they are aware of being evaluated. The 30 questions used, a report form, and references are included.…

A needs assessment study was done of older persons. The sample was randomly assigned to three data collection techniques: face-to-face interview, telephone interview, and self-administered, mailed questionnaires. Results indicated the telephone or the mail technique is a viable substitute for the face-to-face interview. (Author)

Examined leadership/influence effectiveness in democratic psychosocial situations. Compared legislators' and school counselors' role effectiveness as associated with positive self-concepts and attitudes. Results suggest the primary value of the study is in the techniques and methodology used within the content of perceptual theory. (RC)

The article describes the pilot testing of a direct observation procedure for observing social interactions of mentally retarded and non-retarded workers in supported work settings. The instrument was found to be capable of assessing such interactions and was readily utilized by practitioners. (DB)

Quick power estimates for detecting a difference in two population proportions are expedient during early stages of research planning. Such estimates are tabled and graphed in this article. They are shown to be conservative but accurate for most research situations when proportions fall in the range of 0.25 to 0.75. (SLD)

Quantitative and qualitative measures of patient satisfaction with psychiatric outpatient services were compared in interviews with 263 outpatients. Results indicate that expressions of dissatisfaction appear mainly in open-ended questions. Focus on the questions and acceptability of the data gathering procedure appears to influence responses…

Presents trend data of school districts fund allocation for school maintenance and operations of their facilities across the United States. Data reveal a continuing decline in funding for maintenance and operations of school facilities. (GR)