Notes two faulty aspects of the Reznick et al., twin study (PS 526 688): the expressive language measure at 14 months, which has practically no spread of item difficulty, as well as measures included to assess specific cognitive characteristics; and the notion of infant transition as it affects interpretation of the results. (HTH)

In response to a paper on risk and resilience models in learning disabilities research, this article suggests two factors that render this framework appealing to special education researchers: its optimistic empowering nature as the trainability of identified resilience factors is assumed and its emphasis on factors external to the individual that…

This article examines methodological issues confronting the study of qualitative and quantitative differences in ways that separated parents share time with their children. Measurement issues explored include disentangling dimensions of contact, identifying economic implications of contact, and measuring quality of contact. Sampling issues relate…

Reviews the problems associated with recruiting older minorities into mental health research studies and proposes a consumer-centered model of research methodology that addresses the barriers to recruitment and retention in this population. Results reveal that although the consumer-centered methods result in better recruitment of older minorities…

Notes that preceding commentaries raise several issues, including which variables need to be controlled to demonstrate a specific relationship between phoneme-level skills and reading ability and whether prereaders can perform phonemic awareness tasks. Maintains that none of the commentaries casts doubt on the basic conclusion that phonemic-level…

Notes the complexity of preserving anonymity in data presentation. Observes that procedure has been to disguise names and identity of research subjects as protection, but asserts this also prevents them from receiving credit. Claims that circumstances may exist when disguise of research subjects is undesirable, particularly with informed consent.…

A methodology for determining the optimal number of observations to use in a measurement design when resource constraints are imposed is presented. Two- and three-facet designs are outlined. Parallel closed form formulae can easily be determined for other designs. (TJH)

School-based drug abuse prevention studies suffer from intragroup dependence when intact social groups are assigned to study conditions. Data analysis from two studies revealed intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.02 and 0.05 for common drug use measures. Suggests researchers adopt alternative methods that acknowledge dependence. Reviews…

Addresses the problem of research formulation for the inexperienced. Provides a model for geographic research, and identifies types of research problems. Discusses problem definition utilizing both the inductive and deductive method; literature searches; the data base; and methodology. Explores the role of theory, the theorizing process, and…

Recognition of radio and television antismoking messages was measured in 6 treatment and 4 control cities. A survey of 574 adolescents found high recognition of messages even in areas where they were not broadcast, reinforcing the need for true control groups and distinctive messages to ensure validity in mass media evaluation. (SK)

A meta-analysis combining expert evaluation with naturalistic case study methods indicates that such investigations must use special methods to render evaluative judgments of worth. It is demonstrated that descriptive, interpretive, and evaluative aspects of such a study must be combined to yield justifiable conclusions. (TJH)

Criticizes an earlier essay that questioned the validity of contemporary educational research practices, especially those involving experimentation. Argues that research using experimentation is valid and can lead to new and generalizable knowledge. (FMW)

The concept of skill is a matter of debate among occupational sociologists. Recent theorists tend to dismiss deskilling theory, but research findings are not yet conclusive. New lines of inquiry involving new technology and social construction of skills are emerging. Greater rigor in research is needed to contribute to policy debates. (105…

Provides a conceptual basis for understanding factor analysis as an analytical technique. Illustrates the basic concepts of factor analysis through Edward L. Rainbow's data from a study of variables influencing students' musical aptitude. Suggests that this technique is most appropriate in music applications where the interrelationships between…

Discusses the implications for scholarly research of the military action taken by the Chinese government during the recent student protests. Points out practical problems as well as moral issues concerning the resumption of normal scholarly activities in China. Explains the possible effects of China becoming a more closed society. (KO)