Reactions of neural, psychological, and social systems are rarely, if ever, independent of previous inputs and states. The potential for serial order carryover effects from one condition to the next in a sequence of experimental trials makes counterbalancing of condition order an essential part of experimental design. Here, a method is proposed…

In experimental studies, researchers are often interested in secondary research questions that explore important aspects of main findings, such as whether or not program effects vary according to the level of fidelity in which the program has been implemented; or according to the dosage received by individuals participated in the program. In this…

As the educational research community has struggled with research issues over the last few decades, we have turned almost exclusively to epistemologically oriented methodology for answers. Implicit in this methodological discourse are three questionable presuppositions about the relationship between methods and methodology and between researchers…

Monte Carlo validation studies of clustering algorithms, including Ward's minimum variance hierarchical method, are reviewed. Caution concerning the uncritical selection of Ward's method for recovering cluster structure is advised. Alternative explanations for differential recovery performance are explored and recommendations are made for future…

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR THE REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF GUIDANCE PROGRAMS UNDER TITLE V-A OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE EDUCATION ACT ARE PRESENTED. ALTHOUGH GENERAL GOALS ARE AGREED ON, THERE ARE VARIATIONS IN SPECIFIC PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES, AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS. THEIR VALUE IS AT PRESENT HYPOTHETICAL. DEMANDED IS A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE…

Discusses methodological problems involving use of MMPI by reviewing past literature. MMPI is so easily used that it is sometimes misapplied or data obtained from it are incorrectly analyzed by researchers unfamiliar with its limitations or peculiarities. Suggestions for improving research design are made. (Author/BEF)

Argues that research on child psychopathology would benefit from reduced influence of adult treatment models and from applying developmental perspective to clinical research on children. Research needs, including need to devise and use well-standardized measures and to evaluate interactions between subject and treatment variables, are suggested.…

This presentation clarifies the role of evaluation in public schools and discusses major problems which block the effectiveness of the role. Evaluation is used in schools to produce information that helps decision makers choose among alternative courses of action. Purpose, rather than methodology, distinguishes evaluation from research. The need…

Presents a critical analysis of Robert Alun Jones' methodology for seeking a sociological understanding of sociology's past by analyzing classic sociological works. Excerpts from the writings of Jones and other sociologists, both classical and contemporary, are included and criticized. (DB)

Criticizes the approach of sociologist Charles Camic toward understanding the history of sociology. Suggests that if sociologists are to understand earlier societies, they must understand thought patterns which prevailed in those societies and must produce a history of sociological thought which is genuinely historical. (DB)

Methodological problems associated with treatment research on cigarette smoking are explored, and possible solutions are discussed. The main problems considered are the selection and retention of subjects, the measurement of smoking, the design of treatment studies, and the interpretation and generalizability of experimental results. (Author)

Given the current, apparently favorable, climate for introducing and implementing program evaluation schema, the author questions factors mitigating against success, and variables relevant to program evaluation. He cites two types of problems: technological or instrumental problems of methodology and measurement, and evaluation process into…

Problems of conducting organizational development evaluations identified by 101 organizational development practitioners were clustered into categories of methodological, administrative, and miscellaneous problems. (Author/MLF)

Describes common methodological inadequacies in research on treatment of obesity and suggests alternatives. Importance of multiple measurement of outcome is emphasized. Merits of alternative single-subject and between-groups experimental designs are discussed. Reasons for conspicuous lack of long-term follow-ups are analyzed. Recommendations for…