Interviews with 26 experienced international evaluators are reported to identify problems and possible solutions in cross cultural evaluations (evaluations of programs or projects in developing countries by persons from the industrialized West). It is concluded that understanding cultural norms and values increases an evaluator's ability to…

Variations in perceptions of evaluation, research methods, time, social class, and priorities are only some of the reasons why evaluation work in a Third World setting calls evaluators' basic assumptions about people and society into question. Evaluation experiences in the Caribbean are used to illustrate practical problems that may arise.…

Threshold analysis (TA) is introduced as an evaluation model. TA converts unknown variables into questions as to whether a given benefit, cost, or success probability is more or less than a threshold, above which the proposed project would be profitable, and below which it would be unprofitable. (Author/PN)

Research reports were of two forms--subjective reports by observers of the various activities, and objective measures of changes in knowledge and/or attitude. The difficulties encountered in evaluation are discussed but the results of the evaluation are not included. Samples of the four questionnaires are presented. (AG)

Discusses some possible causes of children's levels of response stability on many questions commonly used in political socialization studies, particularly those measuring attitudes. Also suggested are changes in the established methodology of substantive studies of children's attitudes. (TO)

In examining considerations in determining sample sizes for factor analyses, attention was given to the effects of outliers; the standard error of correlations, and their effect on factor structure; sample heterogeneity; and the misuse of rules of thumb for sample sizes. (Author)

The evaluators of Push/Excel assumed that it was a systematically developed program with measurable outcomes, not a charismatically inspired movement whose effects would be hard to pin down. As a result, neither the program nor the evaluation approach used were adequately tested. (Author)

Follow-up of vocational students can be used not only to fulfill federal requirements but also to improve the quality of vocational programs and increase cooperation between various agencies. The authors studied over 160 follow-up systems and have included recommendations for improvement. (Author)

Describes a method of evaluation which ensures maximum yield. Mentions common pitfalls in evaluation procedures and proposes Reality-Based Evaluation (RBE) as a safeguard against them. Outlines RBE and concludes that evaluation results must play an active role in bringing about change. (JG)

The conclusion that learning disabled children have a deficit in perceptual organization is not accepted because of two major methodological problems. Dean refutes this criticism showing that learning disabled children have a perceptual organization deficit when compared with emotionally disturbed children. (Author/BEF)

From her review of the final evaluation reports of 81 career education projects, the author notes seven common pitfalls in career education program evaluation. For a related article by this author, see pp75-83 of this issue. (SJL)

Six articles are presented on the use of human subjects in research on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Topics include the ethics of human experimentation, female and pediatric AIDS patients, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and AIDS among correctional inmates, community-based AIDS research, and clinical trials of HIV…

Describes the uses of focus groups (i.e., a form of qualitative research involving a small group of respondents and moderator in an unstructured group discussion) in community college research. Discusses what can be learned from focus groups, focus group projects conducted in several community colleges, and problems researchers may encounter.…

This article presents a synopsis of each of seven presentations given at a conference on design and analysis in community trial studies. Papers identify problems with community trials and discuss strengths and weaknesses associated with design and analysis strategies. Areas of consensus are summarized. (SLD)

A study analyzed the content of 200 instruments used in student evaluation of college classroom teaching performance. Three specific kinds of flaws were examined: ambiguous, unclear, or subjective evaluation items; ambiguous, skewed, or unclear responses to evaluation items; and items that did not characterize classroom teaching performance. (MSE)