Results of a study comparing two approaches to the identification of important literature in endocrinology reveals that association between ranking of cited items using the two methods is not statistically significant and use of citation or historical analysis alone will not result in same set of literature. Forty-two sources are appended. (EJS)

This discussion of the general principles of structure and construction of numeric databases introduces the concept of data points, their relationship to each other, and their storage in a nonredundant way. The collection of numeric data and their integration into the database structure are explained. Eight references are cited. (EJS)

This study investigates four widely used methods of collecting direct similarity judgments for nonmetric multidimensional scaling: rating scale, triads, rank order of pairs, and conditional rank order. (Author/PN)

A series of five questions forms a model for organizing the content of a continuing education staff evaluation system: What purpose will the system serve? What responsibilities should be evaluated? What characteristics are desirable in the position? Who supplies relevant information? Who uses the information? (SK)

Presents a method for collecting reference desk statistics in machine-readable form using optical marks. Useful data categories are identified, and figures illustrate how data can be recorded for each category. Ten references are listed. (FM)

Potential sources of bias are classified as ethical compromises, value inertias, or cognitive limitations. Thirteen specifics of intuitive thinking and judgmental processes are described. The author wishes to alert naturalistic evaluators to common failings. This list can be a useful checklist in reducing, integrating and drawing inferences from…

A pilot test to survey the collection of occupational detail and the ability of employees to accurately report the number of job openings is described. Discusses the method of soliciting participation, the nature of the data to be collected, and the format of the survey questionnaires. (CT)

Describes dilemmatic view of research process in which research is regarded as dilemmas to be lived with rather than problems to be solved. From this perspective, the proper starting place to discuss methodology is to lay out a series of choices, describe choices in terms of mutually incompatible goals involved, and discuss research strategies.…

Profiles an assistant superintendent of a school district in Alexandria (Virginia) and presents his methods of monitoring student progress with achievement test scores and microcomputers. (RW)

Discusses the problems plaguing ISORID, particularly the unresolved stresses that hinder the effective contribution to the world community that this interactive system for information scientists was envisioned to make. (FM)

Suggests the outlines of a theory of how sociocultural and grammatical knowledge are integrated in the construction of personal names and how such knowledge can be retrieved from surface linguistic forms. Draws on anthropological and linguistic procedures to analyse the Yoruba personal naming system and the sociolinguistic principles that underly…

A theory of policy intervention in social problems is needed to enhance our understanding of the processes of change when investigated by social engineers. The development of such a theory could encourage the integration of basic and applied research. (Author/RLV)

Describes the urban statistical abstract published by the reference department of St. Louis University's library since 1971. Significant by-products of this venture are noted, including the development of bibliographic control of local documents and the identification of sources for local information. (Author/JD)

A structure is described for use by practicing counselors and trainees to help them systematically conduct initial interviews including all significant data gathering and process component variables. A checklist is suggested as a practical way in which practitioners may sequentially address key points. (Author)

In designing an institutional advancement survey, it is thought that the researcher must have a clear conception of the survey's purpose. The relationship of research to theory, the nature of the survey, data collection, and analysis and interpretation are discussed. (Author/MLW)