To obtain information concerning the antecedents of various forms of vocational interests, scores on the 22 basic interest scales of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank were correlated with 389 life history or autobiographical data items. Presents and discusses clusters obtained for the business management, science, and adventure scales. (Author)

Describes and lists currently available software useful in social studies classes. Such software (including spreadsheets, databases, survey questionnaires) helps students apply quantitative methods and information-handling skills that are currently used in solving complex real-world problems. (JN)

Discusses trade-off analysis, a data collection method with conjoint measurement technique in which respondents rank order a matrix of pairs of levels of specific attributes, and gives examples for use in determining library users' perceptions of relative utility of completeness of information versus cost of a search. Twelve sources are cited.…

Describes steps taken by Lake Washington School District in Kirkland (Washington) in acquiring microcomputers, including (1) doing preliminary research, (2) forming a steering committee, (3) attending a conference on educational data systems, (4) defining 10 objectives for a computer awareness program, and (5) launching the program in three pilot…

Suggested activities for data collection and manipulation in the middle/junior high school are provided. The activities also help students to learn other process skills such as constructing graphs, describing relationships between variables, and analyzing their investigations. (JN)

Teachers of emotionally disabled students in three states were surveyed to determine the availability and usefulness of information at the time of placement and reintegration of students. Implications for the collection of assessment information by school psychologists and other multidisciplinary team members are discussed. (Author/PN)

Discusses processes involved in development, operation, and utilization of bibliographic databases--design, data collection, processing, access, and use--and assesses their relevance to developing countries. Utilization of other countries' databases, use of services of organizatons in other countries, and participation in a cooperative system are…

A method for using routinely collected data from large management information systems for program development is described. The example of school lunch participation illustrates the use of time series data to explore causes for observed changes in performance at the various project sites where a program is being carried out. (PN)

Describes competence assessment as a method by which counselors can relate staff development directly to success on the job. Discusses collecting data to identify critical counseling competencies and constructing learning experiences to promote competence. Offers some general principles for staff development. (Author/RC)

Discusses various aspects of new and emerging occupations: factors influencing these occupations (technological changes, demographic changes, legislation, life style changes, resource changes); and a process for identifying these new and emerging occupations (monitoring trends and collecting and processing data on these occupations). (CT)

Discusses needs assessment as a problem-focusing strategy and examines several definitions of need. Considers five purposes for assessing needs, and presents six guiding principles for the work of a needs assessment team. (RC)

Suggests systematic empirical assessment is needed to plan university sexuality programing. Proposes the traditional approach of asking about students' attitudes, knowledge, and behavior is useful for developing specific programing content. Presents an assessment model emphasizing assessment of students' desires for sexuality programing in terms…

Presents a systematic and disciplined approach to planning for the development and implementation of an information system which will collect, store, maintain, and report human resources data. Discusses guidelines, priorities, training requirements, security, auditing, interface with payroll, and personnel reporting. (CT)

Three professional development models are described which use research as a basis for the content and the process of program design and implementation. These are: (1) the research-based planning model; (2) the research-based problem solving model; and (3) the research-based data collection model. (JN)

Two basic ethical questions--informed-consent and the risk-benefit equation--are examined as they apply to the data collection, analysis, and publication strategies of qualitative family research. Suggests the distinctive features of family life warrant a special discussion of the ethical dilemmas inherent in the qualitative study of families.…