Procedures are outlined for employing a resource components approach to collect and report cost information on training and supported employment programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Examination of the costs of 41 Minnesota programs indicates that costs are functionally related to different consumer and program factors. (Author/JDD)

Describes the process of developing a data collection (coding) form to extract a minimum data set from nursing service records and a method of training lay coders to use the form. Explains how the Nursing Minimum Data Set can be used for research and program improvement. (JOW)

Notes that the contextualized, interpretive methods of qualitative research can help researchers generate rich theory. Discusses a social theory of business genres developed from a qualitative research study of organizational genres of communication. (RS)

The dental profession can contribute to effective computer-based decision support through developing data standards and a comprehensive computerized patient record system that can be integrated with evolving health care decision support networks. (DB)

When researchers want to scrutinize a school, the principal should get straight answers to questions concerning research focus and purpose, data collection methods, participants needed, school personnel's research roles, confidentiality protection, data analysis assistance, feedback, and participant access to findings. (MLH)

Discusses assessment of elementary students in the second year of the statutory implementation of England and Wales' national assessment program. Researchers developed models of teacher assessment practice that reflected different beliefs about the nature of teaching and learning and different reactions to national assessment. (SM)

Describes an experiment in which the density of solutions of known sugar concentrations is measured. Data are then used to determine sugar content in commercial beverages. (DDR)

Data from the experimental functional analysis of challenging behaviors of 27 individuals with mental retardation were analyzed to assess agreement among three forms of interpretation. Results found that the methods of interpreting function from experimental assessment can give different results and that test-retest reliability of the experimental…

Presents an activity that involves the collection and analysis of biological data, research into the social and medical history of a community, and the development of skills in oral and written communication. (DDR)

Describes a model for conducting functional assessment in the home. The model uses a trans-disciplinary technical-assistance team to assess and plan interventions for young children with severe challenging behaviors. Discussion includes the kind of information needed, specific examples of data collection in the home, and the benefits and barriers…

Reviews Ohio's data-collection process and makes recommendations for developing a school-level data-collection system that gives stakeholders a clearer picture of resource-allocation/utilization patterns and of school operations' adequacy and efficiency. Various process and methodological issues must be tackled before instituting such systems. (35…

Discusses the need for agencies which provide services to people with visual impairments to collect statistics about race and ethnicity to estimate prevalence of visual impairments, create accountability, and design appropriate programs. Current statistics on the racial and ethnic diversity of individuals with visual impairments are provided. (CR)

Outlines design of an open computer system that relies on distributed computing for collection and storage of data from very large samples. Purpose of the system is to provide a base of reliable data for assessing impact of technology on delivery of educational materials. The system consists of an open instrument that generates student forms, an…

Focuses on ethical issues that can arise in the collection and analysis of data in evaluations. Addresses four issues: (1) the application of cost-benefit thinking to judgments about research ethics, (2) the quality of research design, (3) the need to explore the data, and (4) the censoring of data. (Author/SLD)

In this interview, Dr. Richard Van Acker discusses federal requirements for functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and the teamwork involved in conducting an FBA. Various components of FBAs and the approximate time required are outlined and examples are provided of structured data collection for use in the FBA. (CR)