The methods of 27 studies focusing on toy play among young children with mental retardation were reviewed. Considerable variability was noted with respect to sample characteristics, contextual parameters, and type of measurement. Researchers frequently neglected to provide potentially useful methodological information. Suggestions for future…

This paper addresses neglected questions in item response theory (IRT): measurement of ability or trait parameters and item difficulty in the Rasch model; measurement of individual change based on a Rasch test; and the general framework for detection of differential item functioning under the Mantel-Haenszel procedure. (SLD)

Reexamines the studies of K. S. Dobson regarding metaanalysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression using the Beck Depression Inventory as an outcome measure. Confirms Dobson's conclusions but shows that about half the difference between CT and other treatments was predictable from researcher allegiance. Comparable analysis of a later set…

Addresses methodological and ethical issues in context of three related school-based studies of primary and targeted prevention of depressive symptoms and disorder in high school adolescents. Issues discussed include obtaining subject consent and protection of confidentiality, minimizing attrition, unit of assignment issue, and ensuring therapist…

This commentary argues against assumptions of a paper (EC 608 301) on behavioral research methodology with individuals with developmental disabilities: (1) only knowledge deriving from integrated, community-based settings is relevant; (2) all research must immediately inform practice; and (3) there is little place for systematic study of behavior…

Argues that research on father-adolescent relationships must move beyond demonstrations of links between father behavior and adolescent outcomes (phase 1 findings) to research in which the pathway or processes linking father variables to adolescent variables are explicitly spelled out and examined (phase 2 findings). Suggests areas of future…

Describes the uses of focus groups (i.e., a form of qualitative research involving a small group of respondents and moderator in an unstructured group discussion) in community college research. Discusses what can be learned from focus groups, focus group projects conducted in several community colleges, and problems researchers may encounter.…

Reviews recent research that suggests that changes in family environments because of parental depression increase children's risk for psychopathology. Argues that some aspects of family and child functioning may not be adversely affected by parental depression. Considers conceptual models to explain the effects of parental depression, and areas…

Responds to an article in this issue regarding the challenge of interdisciplinary research. Suggests that the primary motivation for avoiding interdisciplinary research is political, not epistemological. (SR)

This article presents a synopsis of each of seven presentations given at a conference on design and analysis in community trial studies. Papers identify problems with community trials and discuss strengths and weaknesses associated with design and analysis strategies. Areas of consensus are summarized. (SLD)

A study analyzed the content of 200 instruments used in student evaluation of college classroom teaching performance. Three specific kinds of flaws were examined: ambiguous, unclear, or subjective evaluation items; ambiguous, skewed, or unclear responses to evaluation items; and items that did not characterize classroom teaching performance. (MSE)

Discusses the issue that women of color are dealt with as anomalies in psychological research, noting that research paradigms are actually focused on White, middle-class populations. It examines the methodological and theoretical transformations that have occurred in the literature and evaluates the extent to which researchers have successfully…

This commentary on a paper by Douglas Detterman and others (EC 604 995), which tested a model assessing basic cognitive abilities in young adults with and without mental retardation, criticizes the paper for drawing conclusions not justified by the empirical results. (JDD)

This study, involving three toddlers with language impairments, evaluated effectiveness of a lexical facilitation strategy designed to increase the salience or informativeness of target objects relative to other objects and actions in the context. Complications in employing the experimental task in intervention settings are discussed, along with…

Reviews studies of Native American dropout rates conducted in the past three decades, highlighting the difficulties in obtaining accurate statistics resulting from small sample size of the group. Emphasizes structural disadvantages, rather than "cultural discontinuity," as the major influence to drop out. Studies of the transfer rate…