The methodological and practical problems that are especially common in or unique to assessment research in correctional settings are discussed. The distinctive culture of correctional institutions and the complications caused by governing bodies contribute to the particular problems encountered in collecting and analyzing data. (SLD)

Clinical applications of statistical process control (SPC) in human service organizations are considered. SPC is seen as providing a standard set of criteria that serves as a common interface for data-based decision making, which may bring decision making under the control of established contingencies rather than the immediate contingencies of…

Discusses two tools necessary for the successful practice of human performance technology: gathering data and interpreting data. The focus is on what data to gather, how to gather it, and how to interpret the data. (Author/JKP)

TSCALE, a multidimensional scaling procedure based on the contrast model of A. Tversky for asymmetric three-way, two-mode proximity data, is presented. TSCALE conceptualizes a latent dimensional structure to describe the judgmental stimuli. A Monte Carlo analysis and two consumer psychology applications illustrate the procedure. (SLD)

A formula that is simpler to calculate than the Kappa statistic of J. Cohen is presented for the situation where each subject in an experiment is rated on a nominal scale by two or more judges. Equivalence with Pearson's chi-square statistic in this situation is demonstrated. (SLD)

Identifies and explains some of the crucial elements of team research and data analysis, points out common pitfalls, and makes some helpful suggestions. Sections include general recommendations and communicating in statistical language. (ZWH)

Empirically developed multivariate categorization scheme for classifying clients' presenting problems. Counseling clients (n=611) completed Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research. Identified nine clusters of clients with different types of presenting problems that were stable across subsamples. (Author/NB)

Describes an activity for computing the volume of water in a blanket of snow, focusing on measuring and controlling variables, and then using critical thinking skills to analyze data. (HTH)

Describes how the statistical technique of meta-analysis can be used to help resolve conflicting studies in social sciences. (ZWH)

Examines statistical models utilized in earlier studies and attempts to reanalyze the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) reading achievement data for England using a covariance structure model. Shows that, with an appropriate model, school variables do significantly account for reading achievement scores,…

A latent-class scaling approach is presented for modeling paired comparison and "pick any/t" data obtained in preference studies. The utility of this approach is demonstrated through analysis of data from studies involving consumer preference and preference for political candidates. (SLD)

Discussion of educational evaluation focuses on five topics critical to evaluating adaptive learning environment systems: (1) the system being evaluated; (2) standards, both engineering standards and standards for assessing learning outcomes such as task transfer; (3) gathering appropriate data; (4) processes for gathering data; and (5) rules for…

Presents an activity that involves the collection and analysis of biological data, research into the social and medical history of a community, and the development of skills in oral and written communication. (DDR)

Analyzes the application of levels of deficits or supports in the classification of mental retardation in published research. Analysis of data from three professional journals indicated that the supports model of classification has had no significant impact in subject descriptions reported in mental-retardation research. Implications for teacher…

Explores the course of treatment, risk factors, and drug-related issues among ethnically diverse pregnant women (N=192) who were actively using drugs at admission to a residential treatment program. Findings reveal that the course of treatment is more difficult for comorbid clients who perceived more treatment barriers than noncomorbid clients.…