This analysis of a set of longitudinal data on a cohort of Mexican-Americans, Negroes, and Anglos presents the reinterviewing process and discusses the problems generated by residential mobility. Analytical problems occasioned by death and changes in marital status are discussed. (Author/JM)

Asserts that the emphasis on explaining individual differences in political orientations among preadults accounts for "the disappointing contribution of political socialization research to political understanding." Argues that "possessing an explicit model of democratic citizenship would provide greater political meaning to empirical data."…

Discusses the application of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov two-sample tests, as an alternative to the Chi-square test, for survey research problems in business education and includes a computer program written for the convenience of researchers. The two-sample test is recommended for differentiating independent distributions. (MF)

This critique of the Grow-Shapiro study entitled "Black Children--White Parents" A Study of Transracial Adoption" reviews and unfavorably critizes the study and suggests alternative ways of approaching the topic. (MS)

A reply to a critique of an article on transracial adoption by the authors. (MS)

Problems in measuring change abound. For many purposes, a pretest score is best treated as any other measure obtained at the time of the pretest. Where appropriate, regression analyses that treat the pretest no differently from other independent variables, and the posttest as the dependent variable avoid many difficulties introduced by gain…

Explains appropriate techniques to test for interactions and nonlinearity in mass communication survey data. Uses four well-known mass communication theories as examples of when to expect and test for these types of effects. Identifies the theoretical and methodological implications for mass communications researchers of the recent debate on this…

Perceived lack of quality in educational research is due to length of time to see results, the disarray of the field, and politicization. Improvements are needed in conceptualization, methodology, and the composition and technical format of research reports. (SK)

Describes five common mistakes of journalism historians: assuming that the media are always central to a historical event; assuming that commercial forces always have a corrupting influence on journalism; reducing complex events to technological or economic explanations; accepting that journalism is constantly declining; and assuming that news…

Reviews the effectiveness of animation in enhancing textual information for instructional purposes and identifies factors that determine effectiveness. Outlines methodological problems in the research and summarizes design criteria for multimedia instructional products. Contains 78 references. (PEN)

Reexamines data from Carol Berkenkotter, Thomas Huckin and John Ackerman's landmark study of the first year in the life of graduate student Nate. Looks at Nate's work at significant junctures in his professional life. Suggests some of the limitations faced by sociolinguistic accounts of student experiences. (TB)

Presents the author's views concerning the nature of educational intervention in learning disabilities. Considers ethical issues, research design, and measurement of change. Discusses the barriers to conducting intervention studies and methods for dissemination of the research findings. (DB)

Finds no relationship between undergraduate students' self-evaluations as interpersonal communicators, public speakers, or listeners and their observed ability to perform in these three communication areas. Argues that observed performance data are more valid than self-report data, and advises caution in drawing conclusions when using self-report…