The authors encourage those in the field of school psychology to consider the use of learning disabilities assessment practices in relation to specific American Psychological Association and National Association of School Psychologists ethical codes and in regard to the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association,…

Discusses problems in analyzing change in nonexperimental data. Tests three ordinary least-squares regression models to illustrate similarities/differences. Notes that model based on raw difference change scores applies best to studying change processes; model based on outcome scores applies best to assessing consequences of change; and model…

To guide the unbiased process of visual inference, a four-step model is presented for the assessment of reliability, intervention effect, meaningfulness, and generalizability. A Visual Inference Checklist (VIC) systematizes this assessment process. (Author)

Describes the evolution of national educational assessment in the United States, its present stage of development, methodological and reporting problems, and approaches applicable to assessment data. Examines how proposed approaches can be applied in the California Assessment Program and in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (MJL)

This report discusses considerations involved in placing the evaluation process for criminal justice agencies within an organizational and practical context. The discussion proceeds from the following perspectives: (1) program evaluation is a policy/management tool; (2) various levels of policy and management personnel have numerous and varied…

Recent research indicates that introductory psychology college students continue to be the primary source of subjects for psychological research. This extensive use of involuntary subjects in a required service subject pool raises numerous important questions for science and for educational and professional ethics. A general overview of research…

Gotlib and Asarnow suggest that learned helplessness may not adequately model clinical depression. They reply to Rohsenow's criticism that Gotlib and Asarnow's conclusions are unwarranted because the null hypothesis is not demonstrated by a single study and because adequate diagnostic criteria are not presented. (Author/BEF)

Evaluators often utilize analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) techniques to compensate statistically for the lack of experimental control when assessing the effects of innovative programs implemented in naturalistic settings. In this paper design, analysis, and reporting considerations important to the application of ANCOVA-type techniques in…

Presents both logical and empirical evidence to illustrate that the conventional scoring algorithm for ranking tasks significantly underestimates the initial level of group ability and that Slevin's alternative scoring algorithm significantly overestimates the initial level of ability. Presents a modification of Slevin's algorithm which authors…

This tutorial reviews auditory research conducted with monolingual and bilingual speakers of Spanish and English. Based on a functional view of bilingualism and on auditory research findings showing that the bilingual experience may affect the outcome of auditory research, it discusses methods for improving descriptions of linguistically diverse…

Following an overview of the need for evaluation training, the Analysis of Evaluation Training Materials Project is described and the coverage, methodology, and usability of materials available for training educational personnel in evaluation skills are considered. Problem areas in evaluation, identified by the National Institute of Education…

Two related problems are discussed: developing a methodology which (1) will not require full commitment of a local education agency to new techniques which may be ineffective in local settings and (2) will allow graceful abandonment of a new technology that may be proved ineffective. An example is discussed. (CTM)

A review by the General Accounting Office of various aspects of indirect costs associated with federal health research grants is presented. After an introduction detailing the scope of the review and defining indirect costs and federal participation, the report focuses on the causes of the rapid increase of indirect costs. Among findings was that…

Possible causes for the discrepancy between the ABT report on the national Project Follow Through and the Saint Louis, Missouri program were discussed: (1) ABT data were positively biased because of non-random, differential attrition from the program and control groups; (2) positive ABT data were due to use of a particular cohort group; or (3)…

Title I Evaluation models using uniform procedures and data collection for state and national comparisons are interpreted as federal endorsement of basic, common competencies in reading and mathematics. Basic competencies, content homogeneity, conversion methodology, and validity of the evaluation are discussed. (MH)