Describes three experiments with high school and college students concerning learning with ill-structured hypertext; in each study, one different kind of external learning aid (memo pads, learning time, and teaching objectives) was manipulated and examined for its effect on intentional and incidental knowledge acquisition. Findings are discussed…

Recent within-twin estimates of schooling returns are considerably higher than existing estimates. This paper shows that small ability differences among twins can yield more upward omitted-ability bias (and more upward bias overall) in the instrumental variables estimate correcting for measurement error than in the standard within-twin estimate.…

Combines item response theory (IRT) and statistical methods to analyze California Achievement Test-Mathematics (CAT-M) results for 4,135 seventh graders in northeast Ohio. Provides information to educational analysts about which IRT model fits CAT-M data for the target population, test accuracy in estimating students' abilities at different…

A study used 1994-95 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System data to estimate cost functions for postsecondary education institutions, focusing on how factors such as enrollment levels, location, research intensity, and faculty characteristics influence institutional costs. Many of these relationships have direct implications for reducing…

A logit model was developed, using historical data, to identify characteristics inherent in a college student's decision to withdraw from college. Once the model was derived, predicted probabilities of retention for an incoming freshman class were computed, and a program for monitoring high-risk students' progress was developed. (Author/MSE)

Builds a model explaining the behavior of the supply and demand for education at U.S. liberal arts colleges. A statistical analysis of 1990-91 data for 338 private liberal arts institutions suggests a perfectly competitive market. Student quantity, costs, test scores, class size, and college rankings help explain tuition variations. Contains 27…

Describes a software package entitled the "Computerized Cognition Laboratory" that helps integrate the teaching of cognitive psychology and research methods. Allows students to explore short-term memory, long-term memory, and decision making. Can also be used to teach the application of several statistical procedures. (DSK)

Presents quantitative, cross-national analysis of the effects of international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) on developing nations' education. Finds consistent positive relationships between INGOs and secondary enrollments, teacher/student ratios, persistence to grade 5, and female-to-male ratios. Notes implications for theoretical debates…

Applies comparative techniques originated by K. Wolpin and G. Psacharopulos to discriminate between the "weak" and "strong" screening hypotheses, employed to determine whether societal investment in upgrading or expanding education is justified. Controlling for sample selection, this study finds evidence for weak screening in…

Presents methods for assessing the impact and economic viability of federal equal-educational-opportunity programs, particularly in higher education. Techniques for gathering needed data and analyzing them are offered in the context of a hypothetical community college Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program and two real VUB programs. (MSE)

A report based on a study of 45,184 students entering 28 selective colleges in 1976 or 1989 is the most comprehensive look at how students benefitting from racial preference in college admission fared during and after college. The authors say the findings disprove the claim that black students with low test scores are better off at less selective…

Focuses on Subject-Pair Analysis, a technique for comparing examinations in different subjects, to demonstrate that reliance on statistical comparisons of standards between subjects is misplaced. Explicates the fundamental assumptions underlying the Subject-Pair Analysis. Argues that this and related analyses are inappropriate for dealing with the…

Describes computer-based placement tests developed at the second language institute at the University of Ottawa, Canada using Ficelle. Students in the French as a second language program were tested using either the computer-based test or a pencil-and-paper test. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences between the two test…

A 1993 study explored the relationships among literacy, drug/alcohol misuse, victimization, and economic hardship in rural central Texas schools, using survey instruments and regression techniques. The association between violence and youth's academic performance in rural schools may be mediated by economic influences and magnified by local drug…

Junior high school students (n=1,510) completed the Health Behaviors Questionnaire in order to determine healthy and unhealthy behaviors and emotions which might identify at-risk students. Results indicate that all of the independent demographic and health-related variables used in this study were important predictors of at-risk status. Discusses…