While preserving the distinctive features of the case study, the case cluster method employs replicable sampling and, if desired, quantitative measurement procedures to complement qualitative analysis. It creates units of analysis that are based on theory and that have meaning for the actors and observers of the case. (Author/IRT)

Lists and discusses 17 "do" and 8 "don't" guidelines for educators and trainers to consider when designing data collection questionnaires. (MF)

Among the problems are disagreement on how much information should be collected and, because of the use of broad-band tests, the difficulty of deciding who is an applicant for particular job. (Author/IRT)

Three different methods of data collection were examined in which subjects judged proximity between object pairs. Significant differences in accuracy were found among the three methods, presumably due to differences in the extent to which subjects are able to describe their perceptions under the various methods. (Author/RC)

This study demonstrates that multiple matrix sampling procedures can be used to collect assessment data efficiently, unabstrusively, and reliably. (MB)

Identifies five methods of phenomenographic research in early work at Gothenburg University (Sweden): discursive; experimental; naturalistic; hermeneutic; and phenomenological. Argues that phenomenography is a productive form of research, even if the degree of methodological reflection applied by phenomenographers to their work is found wanting.…

Presents a model for monitoring school violence locally and linking national, district, and school level data, illustrating its application in a project site in Israel. Examples of reports generated to monitor school violence for the district as a whole and for each site are presented. The article concludes that this is a feasible and useful model…

Examined the differences between compliment responses collected with two different data collection procedures: naturally occurring data analyzed through conversation analytic methodology, and elicited data collected via a discourse completion task (DCT). The DCT was designed to evoke the same discourse context and preceding context observed in the…

The Dublin Core (DC) Element Set and the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) Protocol have provided a solid foundation for the Open Language Archives Community (OLAC) framework. More precision is needed in community-specific aspects of resource description than is offered by DC, and many of the potential participants in OLAC do not have the technical…

Uses three specific studies to analyze methods of data collection from children, including participant observation, focus groups, interviews, and structured activities. Points out the effective and ineffective aspects of each method, and deals with methodological issues such as parental consent, access to children, privacy, and confidentiality.…

Assesses the effectiveness of the Team Management Index and raises questions about measurement techniques. Argues that data collection can never provide complete proof of a link between interventions and organizational change. Suggests that evaluators study a team's change process. (SK)

The major focus of this monograph is on statistical tools that aim to facilitate the description and explanation of social phenomena. The basics of data gathering are presented, and a number of major topics in data analysis are reviewed. A major contribution is the treatment of methodological issues. (SLD)

Undergraduate students compared Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) estimates of storm total precipitation to measurements from a network of 20 rain gauges. Student researchers gained valuable experience in field data collection, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), Internet data access and downloading,…

Using movie scenes about being trapped in quicksand as a starting point, this inquiry-oriented lesson engages students in a novel study of density. Students collect and graph data collected on a variety of objects placed in a mixture of sand and water. From their findings, students consider misconceptions about quicksand and its real dangers. (DLH)

Proposes guidelines for managing and writing self-study documents prepared by school district business officials seeking accreditation by the International Association for Management Education. Includes description of the writing team and an organized data-collection method. (PKP)