The empirical effects of adherence of details of the Total Design Method (TDM) approach to the design of mail surveys is discussed, based on the implementation of a common survey in 11 different states. The results suggest that greater adherence results in higher response, especially in the later stages of the TDM. (BW)

Construct validation theory is founded upon conflicting metaphysical principles, methodological approaches, and standards of adequacy. This paper explores these unrecognized conflicts and indicates some consequences that these conflicts have for construct validation theory. (Author/PN)

The authors criticize the value-free notion of social science and evaluation. They particularly assail relativists, those who confuse the making of reliable value judgments with how these value judgments are used. (Author/PN)

The author argues that one of the worst aspects of logical positivism is its attempt to construct a value-free science and to exclude values from the scientific process. (Author/PN)

The author feels that the stakeholder approach unavoidably pushes the evaluation toward technical compromises and accommodations that diminish the long-term gains in knowledge. (PN)

Solutions to methodological problems in medical technologies research synthesis relating to temporal change, persons receiving treatment, research design, analytic procedures, and threats to validity are presented. These solutions should help with the planning and methodogy for research synthesis in other areas. (BS)

Stakeholder-based studies modify the relationship between evaluator and user, producing conflict that can cause evaluators to regress to familiar, traditional patterns that leave interactive evaluation strategies only partially implemented. (Author/PN)

Is it ethical to select clients at random for a beneficial social service, then deny the benefits to a control group for the sake of science? Participation of control groups in planning, implementation and evaluation of social programs may resolve ethical issues. (Author/CP)

The adequacy of traditional effect size measures for research synthesis is challenged. Analogues to analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis for effect sizes are presented. The importance of tests for the consistency of effect sizes in interpreting results, and problems in obtaining well-specified models for meta-analysis are…

Analysis of the assumptions underlying the stakeholder approach to evaluation combined with the limited experience in testing the approach reported in this volume, suggests that some claims are cogent and others problematical. (Author)

Methods for selecting relevant and appropriate quasi-experimental studies for inclusion in research synthesis using the threats-to-validity approach are presented. Effects of including and excluding studies are evaluated. (BS)

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.…

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)

Ethical issues; institutional characteristics and organizational arrangements; and roles and skills of the researcher must be considered if the government is to apply social science research findings more widely for the public good. (Available from: Jossey-Bass, Inc., 433 California St., San Francisco, CA 94104, single issue, $6.95.) (Author/GDC)