Reviews a study that examined the validity of different rating scales for measuring instrumental achievement with the clarinet. Rejects the contention that the new rating scales are superior to the Clarinet Performance Rating Scale. (BSR)

Examines 2,000 Strange Situation classifications obtained in eight different countries. Differences and similarities between distributions in classifications of samples are investigated using correspondence analysis. Substantial intracultural differences are established; data also suggest a pattern of cross-cultural differences. (Author/RWB)

Demonstrates that some commonly used indices can be misleading in their quantification of reliability. The effects are most pronounced on gain or difference scores. Proposals are made to avoid sources of invalidity by using a procedure to assess reliability in terms of upper and lower limits for the true scores of each examinee. (Author/JDH)

The methodological soundness of adult education research was examined through a power analysis of the statistical tests used in volumes 21-32 of Adult Education. Results indicate that the power of statistical tests appearing in the adult education research literature is low when researchers are interested in finding small and medium effects.…

Describes how an educational anthropologist's study objectives developed during fieldwork conducted in a fundamentalist Christian school and community. Asserts that this narrative reflects the strong relation of problem finding to problem solving in the practice of naturalistic inquiry. (KH)

In educational research, rigid distinctions between the relative merits of quantitative research often rest on positivistic dogma. In contrast, post-positivistic thought eliminates the intractable problem engendered by positivistic epistemology of a forced choice between value-laden and value-free research methods. (KH)

This article critically examines the evidence for interpersonal complementarity according to four recent theories. The only prediction found to be regularly supported is that friendly-dominant and friendly-submissive behaviors are complementary. A repeated finding is that hostile-dominant acts are frequently responded to with further…

Ruchalla, Schalt, and Vogel (1985) reported a negative correlation between the g-loadness of intelligence subtests and the extent to which the subtests correlated with reaction times. Possible methodological problems with Ruchalla et al. are described, and results of two other studies pertinent to the issue are discussed. (Author/LMO)

Concludes that for most researchers trained in classical statistics, the use of the Bayesian approach requires substantial retooling. Observes that the technical details of the Bayesian approach are formidable, and will require studying textbooks, applications, and computer packages, as well as consulting colleagues. (Author/JDH)

The author reviews published material pertaining to the history of black athletes in American sport, focusing on the most influential books and articles, including popular literature. The aim is to assess the quality and character of the research and to make recommendations for further studies. (Author/MT)

McCauley and Colberg described a theory of transportability and provided data to demonstrate the feasibility of their approach. It is argued that the transportability notion resembles earlier cross cultural work and does not add new insights into cross cultural comparison. Their statistical checks do not preclude the possibility of bias.…

This paper presents two major criticisms of the construct validity investigation of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities conducted by Watkins and Wiebe (1980). The criticisms pertain to the nature of the data presented and the accuracy and appropriateness of the statistical procedures employed. (BS)

The paper is intended to provide an impetus for more widespread familiarity with and use of qualitiative research methodology among educators concerned with the education of persons with severe handicaps by examining the state of the art in qualitative research methodology. Among topics are subject and setting selection, strategy, corroboration,…

Comments on the debate between Rush and Kotelchuck and colleagues, regarding the effects of WIC participation on pregnancy outcomes. Points out the dilemma posed by the need to justify maternal and child health programs by pointing to quantifiable gains, rather than by the advocacy of such programs as a social responsibility. (GC)

Examines what it means when youngsters tell researchers they are concerned about the nuclear arms race. The nuclear concerns picked up in surveys may be deep or they may indicate a superficial awareness of a hot political topic. (JN)