Comments on the ideas presented by Entwisle and Astone in this issue. Suggests that to produce sound measurements of children's socioeconomic background requires a substantial investment in coding, data collection, and management. Nevertheless, a standard set of racial-ethnic and socioeconomic variables, no matter how well measured, cannot serve…

Discusses the important role of graphs in conveying scientific information and the use of computer software in amplifying the value of graphs as tools for scientific investigation. Topics discussed include: skills required for analyzing and interpreting graphs, software design, and teaching and learning strategies. (JRH)

Presents a nontechnical introduction to the field of statistics. Includes discussions on descriptive statistics, random variables, mean, standard deviation, standardized scores, and inferential statistics. Describes six statistical software packages available for IBM personal computers and compatibles. (KR)

Analysis of mortality in a population of 1,300 people with mental retardation living in the community revealed that 14 people died over a 4-year period. Cause of death was avoidable in three patients. The sentinel health event methodology and case-by-case mortality reviews are recommended for monitoring avoidable deaths in community residential…

Presents an introductory activity in statistics in which a mathematics class is divided into groups to "draft" teams of major league baseball players. Describes the drafting procedure, charting the team, scoring, roster changes, and gathering and evaluating data. Includes draft list, daily box scores, and cumulative box scores. (MKR)

Seven articles discuss aspects of transaction log analysis, including introduction and definitions; history and development; components of an ideal logging facility; research methodologies; applications to a variety of library functions; practical and logical limits of the methodology; and future developments needed to enhance successful use of…

Discusses important factors to consider before deciding on hardware or software to use in building qualitative databases. Examines using the computer to store and retrieve text, store and retrieve graphics, analyze text, analyze graphic materials, distribute data stored on one machine to others, allow researchers access to data from remote sites,…

Argues that science educators often face the problem of abnormal distributions when conducting large-scale assessments or evaluating national curriculum projects that require complex sampling plans. Examines the precision of science test scores. (DDR)

Enables students to examine the time course for seed imbibition and the pressure generated by imbibing seeds. Provides background information, detailed procedures, and ideas for further investigation. (DDR)

Web server logs contain a great deal of information about who uses a Web site and how they use it. This article discusses the analysis of Web logs for instructional Web sites; reviews the data stored in most Web server logs; demonstrates what further information can be gleaned from the logs; and discusses analyzing that information for the…

Reviews information from a quarter century of surveys, focusing on such topics as the view of public funding of the arts, differences among group attitudes toward the arts, and support/opposition views on federal arts funding. Addresses problems with surveys and investments in data collection and analysis. (CMK)

Getting answers to questions about schools and student learning requires that educators know how to collect, analyze, and interpret data. Six critical steps in this process include: posing questions, establishing judgment criteria, making a plan, gathering data, analyzing data, and interpreting results. These steps can serve as a beginning guide…

Describes an exercise designed to allow for student introductions at the beginning of a new semester while simultaneously revealing ways in which research questions can be constructed to collect data. (WRM)

Discusses development of indicators for the safety of children in out-of-home care using administrative data from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Reports rates of abuse and neglect from 1996 to 1999, and presents an alternative that accounts for the length of time children are exposed to abuse or neglect. (JPB)

Assessment methods adapted from qualitative research including ethnographic interviewing and journal writing were applied to the case of an adult with aphasia. By analyzing reports of the client and significant others over the course of treatment, changes in social participation and psychosocial well being were documented. These descriptive data…