Summarizes data on developmental patterns in constructive play--play in which children use play materials to make something. Reviews knowledge about developmental correlates and effects of constructive play behavior and examines methodological and theoretical issues. (NH)

Presents an assessment of the relative performance of public and private schools, based on data from the Educational Testing Service. Challenges the Coleman Report's assertion that private schools more closely approximate the common school egalitarian ideal and sever the connections between background characteristics and measured achievement. (SA)

This paper examines Longstreth's criticisms of Jensen's studies relating reaction-time to measures of intelligence and finds them unconvincing. While Longstreth raises some interesting questions, the authors found no evidence in the data for practice or order effects in a reaction-time paradigm. (BS)

Guidelines that should be followed in reporting quantitative research are given. Common errors made in reporting research are discussed, along with specific suggestions on how to avoid the errors. (Author)

Reports on a program held at the 1986 American Library Association Conference which offered a model for locating and evaluating existing research on libraries. Six guidelines for evaluating research are provided, and small group sessions which evaluated actual research and talked directly with researchers are described. (EM)

This investigation tested the ability of an a priori hierarchical structure of self-concept derived from the Shavelson model to explain responses to the Self Description Questionnaire (SDQ) III, and demonstrated the application and problems with the use of hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis (HCFA). (Author/JAZ)

Reviews research to show that researchers with stopwatches may miss many aspects of reading instruction, including (1) that students continue reading and learning outside of the reading group, (2) that learning to read involves feelings, and (3) that learning to read is more than time spent looking at words. (FL)

Differences in agreement between observers and analysts of naturalistic narrative data cause problems in observation research. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of several possible solutions. (Author/GDC)

Develops generalizations for empirical evaluation of software based upon suitability of several research designs--pretest posttest control group, single-group pretest posttest, nonequivalent control group, time series, and regression discontinuity--to type of software being evaluated, and on circumstances under which evaluation is conducted. (MBR)

Argues that the need for research on the community college is intensified by the ever-changing character of learner needs and community conditions. Addresses two criticisms of two-year college research: the same questions are researched repeatedly and the effort overtaxes institutions. Calls for a stronger research base on the two-year college.…

Four points are made in regard to the controversial reaction times studies: (1) apparatus used is not the best; (2) practice effects have not been thoroughly accounted for; (3) there is some evidence that simple reactions are different from choice ones; and (4) basic data to be explained are those which show substantial group differences.…

Reviews legal requirements for use of social science expertise in environmental impact statements and reasons for the general failure to include such input. Explores possibilities for improving social science involvement including legal challenges, cooperation with environmental and public interest groups, objective research, and more adversarial…

Seven studies of the positive long- and short-term effects of good preschool programs on low-income youngsters provide evidence that such programs can be effective. The studies also reveal some of the problems faced by researchers in this field. (PGD)

Data from seven California elementary schools suggest that effective instructional leadership is both multidimensional and sensitive to school socioeconomic status (SES); in low SES schools, it involves direct supervisory activity and attention paid to school climate. Twenty-six reference notes are appended. (MLF)

Methods for selecting relevant and appropriate quasi-experimental studies for inclusion in research synthesis using the threats-to-validity approach are presented. Effects of including and excluding studies are evaluated. (BS)