Discusses Ward's analysis of letters sent to the Federal Trade Commission about children's advertising. Advocates that public opinion research concerning consumer protection issues should include information on the degree to which consumers are informed of their fundamental rights with respect to the consumer issues being studied. (CB)

Ethnography provides a means to carry out interpretive science; it offers an alternative research perspective for vocational education and can be used to address questions concerning larger issues in the field. Interpretive science provides the appropriate research paradigm for those research questions studied by an ethnographer. (Author)

Describes skin conductance measurement as a physiological procedure to obtain information on onset, duration, intensity, and completion of private physiological responses to parts of films or media products. The mechanics of the technique, how measurements are recorded and analyzed, and types of skin conductance research literature are discussed.…

Reviews three functions performed by modern computing integrators: (1) data acquisition; (2) data processing; and (3) communication. Also shows with examples how new electronic components enhance the functions of this popular analytical instrument in those areas. (JN)

Campuses should act on salary equity issues before litigation arises. Campuses must resolve database problems, unfocused studies, problems in data interpretations, and constraints on implementing findings if they are to take timely actions. Internally motivated monitoring and court-ordered monitoring are discussed. (Author/MLW)

This discussion on the lack of data concerning comparable worth concludes that efforts to design data collecting systems or even to tabulate and amass those data that already exist lag behind efforts to litigate and legislate comparable worth. The author discusses possible future scenarios on this subject. (CT)

Described is a college course on the use of computers in psychology that included an introduction to computers, computing, word processing, data analysis, data acquisition, artificial intelligence, computer assisted instruction, simulation, and modeling. Students conducted independent research projects using the computer. (Author/RM)

This joint research and development project of two state departments of education used the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process to identify microcomputer competencies for vocational instructors. Brainstorming techniques were used to identify five categories of microcomputer applications and to determine which competencies belonged in each…

Through a research project, the author found that the attitudes of college accounting students toward high school accounting as the starting point for an accounting education and also the introductory financial accounting grades of college students are often closely associated with extensive accounting coursework completed prior to college. (CT)

The author offers advice on what organizations can do to enhance the mentoring process. She discusses finding a relevant focus, collecting data about the factors that promote and inhibit developmental relationships, implementing change, evaluating and monitoring impact, and taking the time to involve organizational members in a collaborative…

Large-scale databases are an underutilized source of data for secondary analysis by researchers. Major government and private databases available to the public, the types of agencies developing them, and how to obtain and utilize them are described. A catalogue of 20 databases, their characteristics and sources is included. (BS)

As part of a long-range planning process, a study was undertaken to identify critical issues facing Indianapolis, Indiana, public schools and to assess attitudes of local businesses, citizens, and school personnel regarding these issues. Results provide a database for future planning and decision making. (TE)

A legal analysis of traditional record keeping practices demands that the various values involved be identified. Article considers the educational practices that force values to compete. (Author/RK)

A consortium-based, student-oriented interinstitutional research project for educational assessment is described. The College Research Center (CRC) experience suggests that a consortium can be an effective vehicle but that there are difficulties in cultivating interest and long-term commitment. (Author/LBH)

In an effort to better understand the current wave of public and nonpublic alternative schools, a study was undertaken that focused on various aspects of one particular type of alternative--the contemporary alternative school. (Author)