Used survey (for 1,001 adults) and administrative data (for 137,330 first-exit cases) in structural equation modeling to examine psychological and social factors as determinants of welfare dependency and self-sufficiency. Findings show well-being to be a predictor of low recidivism and high employment. (SLD)

Discusses how connecting instruction, professional development, and student learning can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful data use. Uses a case-study approach to show that by acknowledging that implementation occurs over time, schools can safeguard against discarding new instructional practices prematurely. (Contains one…

A study analyzed attribution statements of six community workers who provide risk management for men with mental retardation who sexually offend. Results highlight the effort participants made to obtain sufficient information. They focused on external factors for most effective risk management, but other staff undermined their confidence.…

Describes the way a relational database management system manages a large historical data collection project. Shows that such databases are practical to construct. States that the programing tasks involved are not for beginners, but the rewards of having data organized are worthwhile. (GG)

Reports on a study that tested methods to control or reduce spurious response in order to improve survey technique. Examines two methods of controlling spurious response: alerting respondents that some questionnaire items are false, and using the "don't know" response option. Finds that only the "don't know" option actually…

Describes the development of a menu driven database management program to handle online search statistics reporting requirements for the libraries at the University of California, Los Angeles. Advantages of the program are discussed, including cost effectiveness, autonomy of search service reports, meeting the special needs of individual…

The space analysis process, designed by facilities planners at the University of Toronto to address the gap between macro standards and the way they are used at the micro level, is described. Institutional space policies and guidelines, space inventory, and procedures for collecting space utilization data from users are discussed. (MLW)

Suggests ways census data in the "Statistical Abstract of the United States" may be used to develop thinking skills in economics. Presents a lesson in which students collect data on different types of work done by a small group of workers. Emphasizes the process of classifying workers in order to provide experience with this reasoning…

This article describes principles and practices of data collection to evaluate the attainment of meaningful outcomes in educational services for students with severe disabilities and serious behavior problems. Several "user-friendly measures" which were field-tested in an educational consultation project are described. (Author/DB)

Standardized patient case problems were administered to approximately 280 final year medical students. Results indicate that performance on a given component of clinical competence shows less consistency when measured on different cases than does performance on different components measured on the same case. (TJH)

Describes a scheme in the United Kingdom that coordinates geochemistry publications with a computerized geochemistry database. The database comprises not only data published in the journals but also the remainder of the pertinent data set. The discussion covers the database design; collection, storage and retrieval of data; and plans for future…

Evaluates the methodological adequacy of 37 studies of reading comprehension strategy instruction according to criteria of both internal and external validity. Finds many strengths, but identifies six important weaknesses. Suggests guidelines for planning future studies, and urges comprehension researchers to pay more attention to methodological…

Criticized in this response is research published previously in "The Journal of Environmental Education." Considered are the limitations of the project, experimental design, control of variables, and the use of the case study approach. Includes 35 references. (CW)

Examines the Chinese Exclusion Case Files of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), which documented the influx of Chinese immigrants from 1882-1923, the time when Chinese immigration was first limited and ultimately stopped altogether. These files contain data on thousands of immigrants, documenting their experience, aspirations, and…

Illustrates how the combined use of qualitative and quantitative methods were necessary in obtaining a clearer understanding of the process of incest in American society. Argues that the exclusive use of one methodology would have obscured important information. (FMW)