The six articles of this issue discuss the place of meta-analysis in the health professions and present two state-of-the-art meta-analyses using a variety of innovative methodologies, statistics, and secondary analytic procedures. A survey conducted for this issue and its sequel explores interventions to facilitate meta-analysis. (SLD)

Includes three articles: the first presents rules and regulations from the "Federal Register" that focus on educational effectiveness in postsecondary institutions; the second discusses the appropriateness of various research methodologies for assessment and accountability of reference services; and the third examines data collection…

The REDSIL model for ongoing evaluation of gifted education programs involves interviewing stakeholders, isolating and categorizing critical study issues, designing a data collection plan that uses several forms of qualitative methods, implementing the plan, analyzing data, searching literature relative to each issue, analyzing data again, and…

The model of performance indicators for educational assessment in Portugal includes context; physical, human, technological, and financial resources; functions; and results. Indicators need to partake of the information systems in schools whereby teachers and administrators gain a better understanding of their own processes and planning…

Describes a new direction for conservation efforts influenced by the advance of the information age and the introduction of many technologically sophisticated information collecting devices. Devices include microscopic computer chips, miniature electronic components, and Earth-observation satellite. (MCO)

This article examines problems inherent in current federal criteria for estimating special education graduation and dropout rates. Proposed changes in reporting categories are presented. Exiting data included in reports by the Office of Special Education Programs may overestimate dropout rates and not be comparable to data reported by other…

Explains the typical design, operation, and calibration of a traditional psychrometer. Presents the method utilized for this class project with design considerations, calibration techniques, remote data sensing schematic, and specifics of the implementation process. (JJK)

Describes the electrical and material characteristics of a wide variety of sensors and switches, as well as methods for connecting them to computers that are equipped with a joystick interface. Includes a BASIC computer program that facilitates automation of science experiments and storage of data gathered with simple transducers and sensors.…

An office of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind completed a project which updated over 5,000 client files through personal conversations with them or their relatives, using 7 sighted volunteers and 7 visually impaired volunteers. Hundreds of individuals whose service needs had changed were identified, and an ongoing process for…

Provides data defensibility guidance for field samplers, laboratory personnel and project managers, and a checklist for planning and verification stages of the data generation process. (MDH)

The National Science Foundation's effort to assess ways to improve the speed and accuracy of data collection from universities by federal agencies is discussed. Although only one phase of the project was completed, it is concluded that the issues surrounding electronic data collection have important implications for university research…

Provides an introduction to qualitative research methods. Describes principles of qualitative research and discusses appropriateness of qualitative methods for student affairs research. Explains qualitative methods, including design, data collection and analysis, and reporting of results. Identifies and addresses problems of trustworthiness of…

Quantitative and qualitative measures of patient satisfaction with psychiatric outpatient services were compared in interviews with 263 outpatients. Results indicate that expressions of dissatisfaction appear mainly in open-ended questions. Focus on the questions and acceptability of the data gathering procedure appears to influence responses…

Discusses reasons for supporting indirect indicators to track higher education's progress in teaching critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Outlines the primary characteristics of indirect indicators. Provides specific examples of different indirect indicators, analyzing data collection methods. Assesses the viability of…

Discusses a study of systematic observation instruments designed to assess characteristics of children's physical activity related to health. The article identifies 8 instruments designed for children from 20 months to sixth grade and examines the advantages of direct, naturalistic observation. Recommendations for improving the current…