Describes the holdings and services provided by the Roper Center, the largest archive of survey data in the world. Explains the structure of and topics included in the online database, and discusses fees, membership opportunities, and future plans for the center. A sidebar by Burns W. Roper is included. (CLB)

Institutional comparison groups can be selected in several ways, depending on the comparison issue. The method chosen involves both technical and political considerations. (Author/MSE)

Microcomputers can offer much assistance in one of the major problems that faces virtually every oral history program--organizing, manipulating, and making available the vast quantities of historical data collected. How to automate an oral history program is described. The database management system dBASE II is discussed. (RM)

This study examines state-to-state variations in the legality of bargaining over class size in public schools, to determine, first, whether these variations in the legal scope of bargaining bear any relationship to actual class sizes and, second, whether these variations are indirectly associated with teachers' salaries. (Author/CT)

Discusses an experiment designed to introduce students to the basic principles of the fast Fourier transform and Fourier smoothing through transformation of time-dependent optical absorption data from an oscillating reaction. Uses the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction. Describes the experimental setup and data analysis techniques.

A general assumption of most recent reports on high school education has been that only academic subjects relate to cognitive learning. Analysis of data for the seniors of the 1980 High School and Beyond data set indicates that completion of business courses by students not enrolled in academic courses also leads to cognitive achievement. (Author)

This personal reaction to Cummings'"Comparison of Three Algorithms for Analyzing Questionnaire-Type Needs Assessment Data to Establish Need Priorities" specifically questions Cummings' use of the Mean Difference Analysis for comparison with Weighted Needs Index, and his focus on characteristics of the statistic that are of secondary…

The author presents suggestions to help the technical trainer overcome the difficulties of analyzing white-collar training requirements. These suggestions involve researching the scope of work, familiarizing yourself with terminology, learning industry codes and standards, gathering and analyzing data, and identifying major job responsibilities.…

A random sample of members of the National Council of University Research Administrators were queried about their job goals, functions, and career patterns in an effort to define various roles within research administration. (MLW)

Examines difficulties associated with the use of conversational features in the analysis of mother-infant vocalization episodes. Observations of six mother-infant dyads revealed difficulties involving (1) pooling of data; (2) the unit of analysis; and (3) selection of appropriate "expected" values for dyadic parameters used in tests of…

Presents results from a study of the use of broadcast teletex where decoders in 50 locations were equipped with meters recording use patterns. The role of indexes in the way users move through the database, use of chained pages, and variations in use patterns during the day are analyzed. (MBR)

Discusses use of computers in various areas of geography. These include: geography instruction; an information retrieval; systems analysis; computer simulation; entering of data to be represented graphically and in map form; and experimental research. Such potential future uses as creating models to analyze effects of meteorological changes are…

Examined three methods which can be used to pool single-item-per-subject data collected in intensive time-series studies, determining if method of pooling has an effect on subsequent data analysis. Methods examined were based on simple averaging, difficulty weightings of averages, and the application of the Rasch logistic model. (JM)

Discusses the focus group interview as an effective method of eliciting public opinions at three points in the media production process--concept development, script completion, and completion of rough cut. Interview characteristics, objectives, respondent characteristics, moderator role, physical arrangements, interview techniques, and data…

Sketches the development of business graphs in America. Examines their early use at Du Pont and the origin of the chart room around 1920, an important factor in the executive control systems at Du Pont. Draws lessons from this case study for managers and teachers of business communication. (PD)