Procedures for determining the number of clusters in a data set are explored. A proposed stopping rule, the GRAPH criterion, is compared to four stopping rules currently in use. The GRAPH criterion's mathematically attractive properties and utility in solving the number-of-clusters problem are demonstrated. (SLD)

Examines a number of facets of adoption in the United States and recommends that the federal government create an adoption data collection system; states implement a uniform adoption law; and the adoption process be more open, both for adoptees and prospective adoptive parents. Also discusses the adoption of children with special needs, and…

Summarizes relatively simple and inexpensive methods for collecting data from agricultural field studies. Describes methods involving on-farm testing, crop yield measurement, quality evaluations, weed control effectiveness, plant nutrient status, and other measures. Contains 29 references illustrating how these methods were used to conduct…

Explores work environment assessment when the employees are asked to offer their assessment. A sample survey is provided along with an explanation of its components and tips on analyzing the work environment data collected. (GR)

Presents a chart of basic research methods, including: (1) five psychological data construction procedures; (2) four research design principles; (3) three measurement requirements; and (4) three statistical requirements. (SLD)

The Cloutterbuck Minimum Data Matrix is designed to generate a base of consumer information for critical analysis and synthesis to produce health care outcomes. The interdisciplinary teaching tool helps students recognize the diversity of health care consumers. (SK)

Showcases the open-book design of a 36,000-square-foot library and media center for Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington. Discusses the architectural design requirments and need to phase construction, as well as costs and project history. Includes floor plan, general description, photos, and a list of manufacturers and suppliers used for the…

Discusses some practical issues in linking educational assessments, focusing on the importance of clarity of purpose when assessments are linked. Also stresses the importance of the design used to collect data for linking. Uses linking studies from a variety of situations to illustrate these points. (SLD)

Provides descriptions of Physics Olympics events in which physics students collect acceleration data while riding on amusement park rides. (MKR)

The essence of Scientomatics is precise measurement. Yet the measurements made in Scientometric research are steeped in ambiguity. This article explores the nature of ambiguity in measurement, probes for mechanisms that allow regularities to be discovered in an environment in which ambiguity is pronounced, and describes Lotka's law (often used to…

Reviews research on the quality of data from the various components of the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) to identify gaps in knowledge and establish priorities for future research. Also provides information about the survey design and data collection procedures. This information should help users determine how much confidence to place in…

Discusses the limitations of current databases documenting the prevalence and effects of child exposure to domestic violence and describes a model for the collection of reliable and valid prevalence data, the Spousal Assault Replication Program, which uses data collected by the police and university researchers. (SLD)

Provides a detailed description of diverse data collection tools based on the World Wide Web and enumerates their advantages, disadvantages, and logistical challenges. Web-based data collection can offer cost-effective, flexible, and timely solutions to many evaluation needs. (Author/SLD)

Describes a process for reviewing and improving data collection quality. The methodology includes a thorough business practice review, an analysis of existing data quality, cleansing of existing data, and implementation of business practice changes aimed at improving the quality of data captured by each institution. (EV)

Compared face-to-face interviews with self-administered questionnaires as methods of data collection in a study of smoking attitudes and behavior conducted with 601 young Latina and African American women. Results show neither mode to provide superior results and indicate that cost effectiveness and convenience may be greater for the…