Computer-assisted direct behavioral observation is proposed to aid sensory integration therapy. This allows the occupational therapist to quantify data, devise and answer research questions, and assess progress. Advice is given on establishing a behavior taxonomy. Computer-assisted direct behavioral observation is examined and found valuable for…

Describes theoretical developments that have guided the interpretation of findings in a large-scale study of the development of aggression over 22 years. As the data have accumulated, they have been found to be relevant to operant formulations as well as to social learning theory and cognitive behaviorism. (Author/VM)

Even as school standards rise, the on-time graduation rate remains generally stable and the proportion of the American population that has completed high school is the greatest in our history. Negative estimates are based on a lack of definitions and data discrepancies. Two strategies for increasing the graduate rate are discussed. (PS)

Outlines a proactive school organization model useful for special need populations (handicapped, and linguistically and culturally different learners) because it enables all participants to collaborate on a systematic, four-phase change process: data collection, needs assessment, development of interventions, and evaluation of outcomes. The focus…

Research is reviewed on the use of direct observation methods to collect special education data focusing on seven major factors: reactivity; observer drift; the recording procedure; location of the observation; reliability; expectancy and feedback; and characteristics of subjects, observers, and settings. Recommendations are offered for increasing…

Several statistical rational and empirical procedures are presented for dealing with the problems of non-response or low return rates in surveys, namely mail surveys. Advantages and shortcomings of these procedures in educational research are discussed. (SLD)

A discussion of the need for research in pharmacy administration looks at the range of issues to be addressed, challenges to be addressed in undertaking research, and several different approaches to data collection. (MSE)

To establish a sophisticated planning mechanism that will translate readily to affordable tactical steps, university planners must have a good understanding of the cost structure of individual academic and administrative departments and of the efficiency and effectiveness of the staffs of those departments. (MLW)

Reviews the 25-year record of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), highlighting criticisms of test design and validity, sampling techniques, standards, and usefulness of results. Provides the newly organized NAEP with guidelines for selecting input variables and specifies nine variables to be studied. A sidebar describes NAEP's…

If language research is to arrive at valid analyses of speech behavior, both observation and elicitation methods of data collection will have to be used as necessary complements to one another. The advantages and disadvantages of different research methods are discussed. (CB)

The author identifies the unique contributions of the computer to vocational guidance, tells what is in the "grey area," and makes prophecies about the future of the computer and career development. (Author/CT)

Microcomputer uses by social researchers include writing programs, standard spreadsheets and data base management. In addition, microcomputers can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of information gathering by improving notetaking and organizing. Software developments will help make microcomputer data base management tools, now not…

Trends in vocational education research and development (R&D) were investigated for the 20-year period of 1963-1983. Hardcopy and computerized data sources were content-analyzed into data-generated categories. Graphs plotting relative frequencies of the identified, categorized R&D activities were analyzed for trends. Such R&D is concluded to be…

Describes the performance-based principal evaluation system developed by the Tupelo Public School District (Mississippi). Nine data collection instruments are outlined, as are the methods used to collect the data. Included with the article are two forms: the "Survey of Teacher Opinion" and the "Parent Opinion Summary Form." (MD)

A collaborative model of programmatic nursing research is described that was designed to build on individual research and maximize contributions of individual investigators through a carefully designed 4-year program. The program involved faculty in different clinical departments exploring health variables that contribute to nursing theory in…