Reducing Aldrich's codification of organizational task environments from six to three dimensions--munificence (capacity), complexity (homogeneity-heterogeneity, concentration-dispersion), and dynamism (stability-instability, turbulence), the authors use interim and factor analytical techniques to explore each dimension's viability and draw…

Looks at the use of simulations and games as research instruments in education. Examines two applications of simulations as research instruments and a major problem that stands in the way of their use. (Author/DN)

Presents a general description of curriculum studies made in the sociology of education and comparative education in the past decade. Discusses structural/functional studies, studies in the "new" sociology of education, and ethnomethodological studies. Argues that ethnomethodology provides the most heuristic approach to curriculum…

Professional evaluators are often called upon to analyze data produced by a catastrophically inadequate evaluation design. A remedial strategy involving diagnosis of error, application of a corrective procedure and sensitization of program personnel of the need for a more sophisticated stance, is proposed and illustrated with a case study.…

This paper analyzes the concept of research in education and relates that analysis to the Scottish situation. Some of the areas of neglect are identified and explanations of a "political" kind are offered for the present unsatisfactory state of affairs. (Author/KC)

Discusses problems with the use of stochastic (probabilistic) models for the analysis of juvenile offense data. Analyzes longitudinal data for White and non-White delinquents which show significant evidence of offense specialization and a random distribution of offenses if no specialization occurs. (Author/GC)

Reexamines two recent papers in "Administrative Science Quarterly" (1977, EJ 167 789; 1978, EJ 188 620) by James C. March and James G. March on a study involving Wisconsin school superintendents. (Author/MLF)

Considers how the changed ecological conditions confronting human societies challenge sociology. Concludes that sociology stands in need of a fundamental alteration in its disciplinary paradigm. Suggests a 'New Ecological Paradigm' which may better serve the field of sociology in light of the current recognition of ecological realities. (Author/DB)

The choice between experimental research or process-oriented oriented research as the only valid paradigm of evaluation research is rejected. It is argued that there is a middle ground. Suggestions are made for mixing the two approaches to suit particular research settings. (Author/GK)

Discusses the differences among researchers in learning style definitions, instruments used to identify learning style, and the applications of their research. (Author/MLF)

Provides a nontechnical explanation of the family of multivariate statistical techniques known as multidimensional scaling (MDS). Explains the purpose of MDS, and the advantages of using these techniques in the study of musical perception. Discusses two approaches to the interpretation of MDS solutions. Lists examples of musical studies using MDS.…

Over the 17 years since a previous review by 2 of the present authors, the field of clinical neuropsychology has made advances in techniques, theoretical constructs, and statistical models. With careful attention to methodological issues and underlying concepts and hypotheses, the field will continue to thrive. (SLD)

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…

A research review supports the validity of the person-environment fit (PEF) model in vocational psychology; however, sampling inadequacies have influenced results. One PEF example, Holland's hexagonal model, is unsupported due to lack of commensurate measurement; most hexagonal congruence indices are invalid. (Contains 110 references.) (SK)

Includes "P-E [Person-Environment] Fit as Paradigm" (Dawis); "Pitfalls of Congruence Research" (Gati); "The Next Millennium of 'Fit' Research" (Hesketh); "Holland's Hexagon Is Alive and Well--Though Somewhat out of Shape" (Prediger); "Tinsley on Holland: A Misshapen Argument" (Rounds, McKenna,…