Hierarchical task analysis (HTA), which requires description of a task in terms of a hierarchy of operations and plans, is reviewed and examined as a basis for making training decisions. Benefits of HTA in terms of economy of analysis and as a means of accounting for complex performance are outlined. (Author/MBR)

Describes the Adjusted Agreement Index, a strategy for analyzing collected data from questionnaires utilizing Likert-type scales. Steps involved in using this index and its strengths and weaknesses are outlined, and a case study illustrating how it was used to summarize data on a distance education course package is presented. (MBR)

A random selection of course examinations, classified by Bloom's cognitive taxonomy, revealed a pattern of differences between the questions asked at more selective liberal arts colleges and those asked at less selective ones. A framework for describing academic rigor and standards that is based on these findings is presented. (Author/MLW)

An alumni survey is an unbeatable tool for realizing and tapping the potential of alumni. It can also help win recognition of the importance of alumni constituency. A comprehensive survey creates an effective database on each alumnus. (MLW)

Gathers comprehensive information about accidents and near misses occurring in outdoor programs. Includes checklists for types of injury/illness, program activity, and contributing factors. Asks for analysis and recommendations, comments by the program director, and a narrative description of how the accident happened, treatment given, and…

Provides a model for incorporating counseling evaluation concerns such as data on the counselor's instructional behaviors, client adherence to the counseling intervention and client change. Points out that much of the research on counselor effectiveness focuses on counselor characteristics rather than building the case that counseling services are…

Department chairpersons of business education departments were asked to rank a list of 18 challenges facing business education by use of a Q-Sort. The most important challenges were seen to be updating and changing the business education curriculum to meet present and future students' needs and updating and developing the skills and knowledge of…

Discusses several ways in which computers are being used in sociology and how they continue to change this discipline. Areas considered include data collection, data analysis, simulations of social processes based on mathematical models, and problem areas (including standardization concerns, training, and the financing of computing facilities).…

Many evaluation researchers are now attempting to synthesize quantitative and qualitative approaches. Although such efforts appear to carry great promise, some subtleties and incompatibilities of these approaches are perhaps being overlooked. Implications for social inquiry are discussed. (Author/GDC)

Provides evidence that the Creek Nation's population increased during the late eighteenth century following a low point about 1750. Uses linear regression to project the Creek Indian population before the 1813-14 Creek War. Suggests that basic demographic factors may have played an important role in precipitating the Creek War. (SB)

Describes an inexpensive and versitile interface which can be readily adapted to many on-line experimental projects in scientific fields by educators who are not computer experts. Hardware and software requirements are noted. (JN)

Commenting on Dobbert et al's article in this issue, argues that the best data on the transmission of culture can be obtained by combining a variety of methods, focusing on one domain and on a limited set of hypotheses at a time. Believes that, ideally, collaborative studies are required. (RDN)

Dobbert et al defend their model of cultural transmission. In answering eight commentaries, focus is on (1) their holistic perspective on learning; (2) their desire to occupy a middle ground between ethnographic detail and generalized law; and (3) their attempt to place their holistic thesis within the ethnographic tradition. (RDN)

Explores use of uniquely developed microcomputer programs at Purdue University Undergraduate Library which provide reference service when reference personnel are unavailable. These programs, which allow patrons to query specific subjects of interest, also generate statistical summaries used for development of library instruction programs,…

A study evaluating long-term effects of a training model in human sexuality on teachers' knowledge and attitudes indicated that attitudinal changes were not maintained over time. Knowledge decreased more in educators who did not actually teach human sexuality. (Author/DF)