Theoretical and methodological problems in researching the number of females in educational administration and changes in their numbers over time are examined in this review of pertinent studies. The studies are cited for problems that they illuminate, rather than for any possible inadequacies. The research problems fall into two broad categories:…

The retention of older respondents in a longitudinal study is of important concern to data quality and representativeness of the target population. Participant non-response has been considered a more serious problem among older persons than among younger ones, since dropouts in longitudinal studies of older adults have been reported to be less…

In the conduct of field studies, there are three different points at which data may be collected unobtrusively. The first is when there is a "search" for an area of study. The second point in which data may be gathered unobtrusively is when the researcher is attempting to further the analysis. The third point in which data are collected…

An introduction to profiles is presented with examples provided to permit an overall appraisal of the potential of profiles, of the principles upon which they might be based, and of the problems that will have to be overcome if their potential is to be realized in practice. The larger scale examples of profiles discussed are the Scottish Pupil…

Presented in this article is a synthesis of the strategy and process used to maximize the reliability of findings about desegregation, and to exhaust all probable resources germane to such research. The paradigm used focuses on a three-phase research strategy encompassing literature review (Phase I); an ERIC search of "Current Index to Journals in…

The obstacles associated with conducting curricular research in school settings are discussed. A study of bilingual students in the Phoenix area demonstrated the difficulties associated with high absenteeism and drop out rates. In a study of Spanish reading materials, it proved difficult to identify schools where administrators would be willing to…

Large central databases which support multicampus users require thorough planning and coordination, special communication with both users and input sources, and organized retrieval systems. In the developmental process of identifying variables that should be in the system and designating the source of that data, old habits of multiple official…

This paper is devoted to an analysis of the "Standards for Evaluation of Educational Programs, Projects, and Materials" as they apply to qualitative data. The most difficult ethical problem arises from the conflict between the right to privacy of research subjects and the right to know of audiences. There are two technical points in the…

The overidentification of structural equation models with latent variables is discussed. The use of two- and three-indicator models is not recommended since such models do not allow a testing of the crucial assumption of unidimensionality among indicators in most cases. Models with four or more indicators may be more sensitive to departures from…

This paper offers answers to nine important questions concerning standard-setting issues and methods: (1) Should normative or content-referenced standards be used? (2) Different standard-setting methods yield different results. What is your reaction to this finding? That of your clients? Does this finding present a problem for the application of…

Statistics used to estimate the population correlation ratio were reviewed and evaluated. The sampling distributions of Kelly's and Hays' statistics were studied empirically by computer simulation within the context of a three level one-way fixed effects analysis of variance design. (Author/RC)

This article discusses the experiences of the Research Utilization Laboratory (RUL) of the Chicago Jewish Vocational Service over a five-year period. The topic is approached in terms of the elements involved in the utilization of research and in terms of the problems the RUL encountered. (Author)

The article provides an overview of research needs in vocational education; lists some problem areas; discusses research methods and statistical treatment of data; and touches upon sponsorship, dissemination, and future research challenges. (MW)

This report discusses studies on the accuracy of parents' judgments of their children's cognitive abilities and preferences, and the relationship of the accuracy of parents' judgments to their child's level of development. Prior research showed that parents have some knowledge of their children's abilities, and that the more accurately parents…