Notes the complexity of preserving anonymity in data presentation. Observes that procedure has been to disguise names and identity of research subjects as protection, but asserts this also prevents them from receiving credit. Claims that circumstances may exist when disguise of research subjects is undesirable, particularly with informed consent.…

A methodology for determining the optimal number of observations to use in a measurement design when resource constraints are imposed is presented. Two- and three-facet designs are outlined. Parallel closed form formulae can easily be determined for other designs. (TJH)

School-based drug abuse prevention studies suffer from intragroup dependence when intact social groups are assigned to study conditions. Data analysis from two studies revealed intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.02 and 0.05 for common drug use measures. Suggests researchers adopt alternative methods that acknowledge dependence. Reviews…

Addresses the problem of research formulation for the inexperienced. Provides a model for geographic research, and identifies types of research problems. Discusses problem definition utilizing both the inductive and deductive method; literature searches; the data base; and methodology. Explores the role of theory, the theorizing process, and…

Recognition of radio and television antismoking messages was measured in 6 treatment and 4 control cities. A survey of 574 adolescents found high recognition of messages even in areas where they were not broadcast, reinforcing the need for true control groups and distinctive messages to ensure validity in mass media evaluation. (SK)

A meta-analysis combining expert evaluation with naturalistic case study methods indicates that such investigations must use special methods to render evaluative judgments of worth. It is demonstrated that descriptive, interpretive, and evaluative aspects of such a study must be combined to yield justifiable conclusions. (TJH)

Criticizes an earlier essay that questioned the validity of contemporary educational research practices, especially those involving experimentation. Argues that research using experimentation is valid and can lead to new and generalizable knowledge. (FMW)

The concept of skill is a matter of debate among occupational sociologists. Recent theorists tend to dismiss deskilling theory, but research findings are not yet conclusive. New lines of inquiry involving new technology and social construction of skills are emerging. Greater rigor in research is needed to contribute to policy debates. (105…

Provides a conceptual basis for understanding factor analysis as an analytical technique. Illustrates the basic concepts of factor analysis through Edward L. Rainbow's data from a study of variables influencing students' musical aptitude. Suggests that this technique is most appropriate in music applications where the interrelationships between…

Discusses the implications for scholarly research of the military action taken by the Chinese government during the recent student protests. Points out practical problems as well as moral issues concerning the resumption of normal scholarly activities in China. Explains the possible effects of China becoming a more closed society. (KO)

Describes seven myths concerning reading-level-match designs, in which individual differences in reading acquisition are compared for groups of different ages matched on some aspect of reading performance. Gives examples from the reading literature to illustrate these myths and to suggest more realistic alternatives. Summarizes relevant…

The bibliography lists 875 citations from over 40 professional journals and reports on diverse aspects of higher education for adult students. A brief introduction discusses the developmental stages of adult learners and the challenges of researching this diverse population. (MSE)

A review of four studies conducted by Ausubel raises serious doubts about the efficacy of advance organizers under a variety of circumstances. In addition, this review questions the adequacy of definitions for two central notions of subsumption theory (discriminability and advance organizer). (IAH)

Research articles published in 10 major journals during the years 1984-1987 were evaluated to determine how many satisfied the recommendations of the Council for Learning Disabilities' Research Committee on reporting subject data. Only 4 of the 277 articles included acceptable information in 7 recommended areas of subject data. (Author/JDD)

Notes that despite the frequent claims of the superiority of interdisciplinary teams over more usual care patterns, systematic studies of the effectiveness of geriatric interdisciplinary teams are rare. Illustrates the difficult conceptual and methodological problems encountered by investigators. Suggests future research directions. (Author/ABL)