This article describes methodological strategies, decisions, and issues that emerge when conducting qualitative research. In particular, topics such as situating the research design, sampling considerations, data collection methods, and the analytic and interpretive process are explored. Examples from published research are provided to illustrate…

Describes four principles to guide superintendents' presentation of data to their schools boards: Insist the board establish districtwide goals for student achievement; assist the board in receiving customized training on analyzing data related to student-outcome goals; insist the board adopt a code-of-conduct policy on data use; and provide data…

Provides an overview of the design of the leavers studies reported in this volume. Reviews major cross-study findings related to employment, program participation, and household income. Illustrates how the combination of administrative and survey data can show how welfare leavers are faring. (SLD)

Describes the focus group interview as a technique for data collection for researchers interested in a variety of educational issues. Describes and discusses a series of steps for implementing the focus group interview technique. (MG)

A study examining the evaluation components of merit pay programs in Illinois suggests that such components significantly influence a program's success or failure. Merit pay programs should incorporate evaluation systems tht emphasize their formal purpose, target variables related to effective teaching, and utilize sound data collection…

Principals and others involved in strategic or operational planning decisions need a data collection process with a systematic internal and external scanning structure. Internal data originate from students, school climate, finance, and human resource variables. External data include demography, government finance and budgetary allocations,…

Contends that, in developing countries, attention must be paid to the quality of data going into computer-based information management systems; otherwise implementation of the system may provide only a deceptively systematic procedure for making random decisions. Examines errors, assumptions, inabilities, and omissions that threaten data quality…

The survey of 57 teachers with training and experience in data collection and education of students with severe disabilities found that respondents did collect data frequently but did not agree on how to utilize the data for instructional decision making. (Author/DB)

Investigated the multiple uses of national databanks and surveys among a large sample of college counseling centers who were members of AUCCCD (Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors). Results both confirm and expand upon anecdotal statements about usage of survey data. (Author)

Surveys the service marketing literature for models and data-gathering instruments measuring service quality, particularly the instruments SERVQUAL and SERVPERF, and assesses their applicability to special libraries and information centers. Topics include service characteristics and definitions of service; performance-minus-expectations and…

This study, involving five college students observing behavior of individuals with mental retardation, found that interobserver agreement was better in the presence of certain stimuli (such as when the subject's peers were present versus when they were not). Of 10 additional variables thought to potentially affect agreement scores, 1 (can't see,…

Provides measurement, estimation, and data analysis activities for grades three to four and five to six using boxes of cereal and containers of frozen yogurt. (MKR)

The more that students see themselves in everyday situations that involve mathematics, the more likely they are to be successful. Incorporating names, ages, and other personal data into mathematical activities is easy and fun. (MKR)

Presents an activity to help students overcome mathematics anxiety by collecting and organizing data through summarization and graphic representation. (MKR)

Studies the application of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to chronically aggressive psychiatric inpatients. ESM allows for the sampling of behavior, thoughts, and feelings of persons across time and situations by signalling subjects to record these aspects using a questionnaire at random times. (JPS)