Three versions of a probabilistic model adapted from the theory of information retrieval--a binary version, a version using the full value of the data, and a version using principal components--were tested and applied to data available from application forms to predict graduate school performance of library school students. (EM)

Describes statistical analyses of tests used for organic chemistry classes and attempts to pose a model to explain the results. Concluded that students who possess a slight grasp of a concept actually have less of a chance of answering an item correctly than those who merely guess. (CW)

Investigates patterns in readers' ratings of imagery, affect, and story structure in selected short stories read in a college classroom. Concludes that texts constrain the renditions of individual readers when they read for enjoyment. Finds that imagery appears to mediate affective associations of text viewed as structurally important. (MM)

Considers both qualitative and quantitative research approaches on second language learning, with focus on second language classroom research. Concludes that both approaches are relevant to determining the important variables to investigate and the relationships those variables have to second language learning outcomes. (Author/CB)

The advent of decision support systems, specific computer applications for organizational decision-making, redefines the primary professional role of institutional researchers, but a more comprehensive understanding of organizational behavior and development is necessary for them to work well. (MSE)

Circulation time-series data from 50 midwest academic libraries were used to test 110 variants of 8 smoothing forecasting methods. Data and methodologies and illustrations of two recommended methods--the single exponential smoothing method and Brown's one-parameter linear exponential smoothing method--are given. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

To determine the cause of the reading achievement gap between language minority students (Hispanic) and nonlanguage minority students, language background, socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnicity in the High School and Beyond data set were analyzed. Language background and SES/ethnicity were found to be equally accountable for the gap. (MM)

A model of family learning environment was constructed to study the relationship between family environments and school achievement. Data were collected from Australian families with 11-year-old children attending urban elementary schools. A semi-structured family interview inventory was used to assess dimensions of the environment model. (DWH)

The use of high school transcipts, American College Testing Service composite scores, and first semester courses and grades of college freshmen is discussed as a way to statistically analyze the notion that high school college preparatory courses help students earn better grades in college than elective courses do. (MSE)

To obtain a profile of administrative moves in higher education, data were collected from the "Gazette" section of "The Chronicle of Higher Education" from September 1982, through June 1983. Trends of movement into and within higher education administration are discussed. (MLW)

This case study describes how path analysis and causal modeling were used to assess the impact of federal research and development spending on Ph.D production in science and engineering at leading research universities. The nature of existing data, integrated into a single data base from seven surveys, influenced the research methodology. (BS)

Recent federal legislation has dealt directly with medical school class size. This study examines the relationship between increases in entering class size in American medical schools and changes in a variety of educational variables. (LBH)

The National Governors' Association is urging states to develop a standardized cohort graduation rate definition and to develop data systems with quality data that can in turn be used to produce a reliable indicator. This paper is an examination of one state's graduation rate using the cohort method. The statistics generated are compared to a…

Secondary education continues to expand rapidly worldwide. Equally important is its diversification. The present paper contends that the diversification of secondary education, while acknowledged, is not well studied. Despite the widespread expansion of secondary education in different world regions, the information available to researchers--and…