Researchers increasingly have access to two types of data: (i) large observational datasets where treatment (e.g., class size) is not randomized but several primary outcomes (e.g., graduation rates) and secondary outcomes (e.g., test scores) are observed and (ii) experimental data in which treatment is randomized but only secondary outcomes are…

Analyzes third grade children's performance on the Mueller-Lyer Illusion for whole and partial presentations of the figure. Results do not support Piaget's theory of perceptual development but are consistent with the theory of simultaneous and successive syntheses. (Author/BH)

Per pupil spending on teacher salaries is the product of four factors: teacher/pupil ratio, starting salary level, steepness of salary schedule above minimum, and incumbent teachers' placement on the scale. Using California per pupil expenditures on teachers' salaries (for grades three and six) to predict student achievement gives very different…

Existing classroom data were used in a preliminary test of a theoretical model of student academic motivation. Expected relationships among verbal ability, internality, self-esteem, and success were found, along with evidence that class grouping may alter them. Problems encountered using existing research for other purposes are described.…

Observer reliability and the confusability of codes, two sources of error in the collection of classroom observational data, are examined. Confusability is defined as the extent to which one code is mistakenly recorded as another code. Observational data were collected in each of 172 first grade and 171 third grade Follow Through and comparison…

Criticizes the statistical methods used in a previously published article that compared a commercially produced computer program with traditional teaching methods. Measures of instructional effectiveness are described, the assignment of student pairs is examined, and the use of blocking variables with analysis of variance is discussed. (LRW)

Interracial/interethic choice patterns of 398 third and fourth grade children are measured utilizing various methods, including both projectively-based and reality-based paradigms. Attempts are made to establish the equivalence or nonequivalence of the different methodologies used to assess interracial choice patterns. Results indicate that all…

Pearson correlation coefficients between first and second year classroom process data from the Texas Teacher Effectiveness Project are presented. These data are from 19 second and third grade teachers whose classrooms were observed during two consecutive school years. The stability of classroom behaviors varied greatly across the two years.…