This project represents the first year of a proposed two-year program to develop FEHR-PRACTICUM (Formative Evaluation and Heuristic Research), a computerized game which simulates experience in a research evaluation assistantship or practicum. In the game teams of from two to five players are given the task of finding the "best" among several…

Although many agree that institutional research in higher education has come of age and is accepted as a part of institutional management, great variations exist in the extent to which institutional research findings are synthesized and utilized in management decision-making. A number of reasons can be identified as accounting for this phenomenon,…

Examines the influence of dogmatism on risk-taking behavior of groups and individuals and cites additional variables to be considered in a modification of the old risky shift paradigm. (MH)

The Delphi technique for problem-solving and forecasting is a useful tool when a group of experts with diverse backgrounds is asked to make decisions. (For availability see EA 507 171) (Author)

Maintains that liberal education can prepare individuals to make wise personal decisions. Points out that the study of geography can contribute to liberal education by helping students appreciate other values, evaluate evidence, communicate ideas clearly, and think analytically. (Author/DB)

Analyzes attitudinal differences between elite decision-makers and their subordinates, based on a several-year study of eight executives. Concludes that elite decision-makers evaluate situations in terms of "problem impact," view their jobs in relation to broad corporate goals, favor quick decisions, and tend to be "positive thinkers." (JG)

Believes educational research needs to move much closer to where national policy decisions are being made. (Editor)

Governing board members can work collaboratively with the college president to walk the fine line between conserving tradition and resources and making needed innovations in curriculum or campus living. However, they must learn to offer their own individual and group judgment without being intrusive. (MSE)

Decision Support Systems (DSS) are automated information systems designed to aid administrative decision making. A literature review on the design, implementation, and evaluation of DSS, suggests that evaluators act as liasons between designers and managers, identify and collect data for DSS, and evaluate DSS. (Author/EGS)

Examines the choice-making processes of students engaged in the selection of speech introduction strategies. Finds that the frequency of students making decision-making errors was a positive function of public speaking apprehension. (MS)

Describes OAKDEC, a program based on decision-making logic that uses expert system techniques to assess the status of a database search and to provide recommendations to the user on how to proceed. The discussion focuses on the use of OAKDEC as a research tool for studying user behavior. (20 references) (Author/CLB)

Examines ethical issues in making policy decisions regarding divorce child custody disputes. Suggests dilemma occurs when legislator must decide between discretionary standard promoting best interest of child and nondiscretionary arbitrary assignment of custody. Advocates normative analysis of various types of dispute-settling processes and…

Problem solving and decision making are considered to be keys to successful management. A normative method for problem solving is presented, suggesting that the analysis of the problem be structured along a five-step procedure: problem identification, analysis, decision alternatives, decision making, and decision implementation. Follow-up…

Describes the current status and limitations of expert systems, and explores the possible applications of such systems in education and training. The use of expert systems as tutors, as job aids, and as a vehicle for students to develop their own expert systems on specific topics are discussed. (40 references) (CLB)

Presents three solar access dilemmas requiring student analysis and decision making in order to develop skills that are transferable and applicable real-life public policy issues of geography. Developed for seventh-grade world geography course but equally applicable at higher grade levels. (TRS)