The utility of several longitudinal data analysis models for use with educational attainment are discussed and illustrated on a large data set. Assumptions of the models, choice of scale units, and data transformations, as well as real-life implications are emphasized. (Author/JKS)

Discusses a study undertaken to determine variables influencing student ratings of college level courses in psychology. Findings indicated that student ratings reflect many variables other than teacher ability, including class size and student major. Suggests that the sole use of student ratings to evaluate teaching effectiveness is questionable,…

The explicit statement of course objectives and a retrospective analysis of student test results are used in the evaluation of a mathematics course for engineering students. (BW)

A ratio adjustment procedure for baseline records which compares the observed response frequency with a maximum possible frequency for each observation period is described. This ratio is transformed into a response percentage with a more general predictive value for the behavior modification practitioner. (Author/RC)

Reviews case against using traditional statistical methods in educational research. Examines "fantasies" entertained by researchers about the meaning of statistical significance. Recommends abandoning statistical significance testing and suggests other ways of evaluating research results. Advocates a return to the scientific method of examining…

The semantic differential--one approach to attitude measurement--basically records a combination of a person's associations with a particular concept with a scaling procedure. This paper considers the implications of such a device for teachers of mathematics. (Author/MK)

Addresses world-system/dependency theories of differential economic growth among nations and identifies reservations concerning the current empirical status of these theories. Presents a model which relates the world system to blockmodel analysis by considering four types of international networks--trade flows, military interventions, diplomatic…

Two major and two minor principles are shown to serve to generate a large number of multivariate models, including canonical analysis, factor analysis, and latent trait test theory. The statistical underpinnings of the theory are discussed. (Author/JKS)

The use of a path analysis model to obtain unique, substantively meaningful decomposition of variance among endogenous (independent) variables in the model is argued. This reasoning runs counter to more traditional path analytic work. An example is provided. (Author/JKS)

Discusses how modern governments support and use social science research data to keep informed about social needs and the functions of various government programs. Questions what happens to the data and how government policy research influences policy formation. (Author/DB)

This paper defines the student case study approach to evaluation, discusses its strengths and weaknesses as a component in a program evaluation design, and lists the specific steps needed to accomplish it. Its use in the evaluation of Experience-Based Career Education is described. (SJL)

The article gives data on the age, sex, income, geographic region, and ethnic composition of the visually disabled population of the United States (taken from the National Center for Health Statistics records for 1977). (PHR)

The results of this study indicate that tobacco smoking may have a deleterious effect on the learning process. Those Ss who smoked in excess of 12 cigarettes per day did significantly less well, as a group, than nonsmokers and light smokers on three of the four learning tests. (Editor)

Described is an in-class demonstration of mass reaction time which measures the speed of nerve impulses and the duration of various cognitive processes. A simpler version of the experiment for at-home use is described. (Author/DB)

Focuses on the relationship between schooling and occupation in Uganda in the ten years prior to and the ten years after independence in 1962. (Author/RK)