Analyzes the responses of 559 ninth grade students to a single ballad and concludes that the type of prereading instruction given influences understanding of the ballad but not attitude toward it. Tables and bibliography. (RW)

Describes the results of two pilot studies involving readers' spontaneous responses to short stories during the actual reading process. Analyzes the responses to show the nature of the reading process in the individual. Bibliography. (RW)

In 1972 the New England College of Optometry instituted a new curriculum that provided accelerated optometric education leading to an O.D. degree for qualified candidates with a Ph.D. degree in the sciences. That experience is summarized. (MLW)

Muffo and Coccari (1982) analyzed data pertaining to the causes of variation in the number and amount of external funds for research. By using LISREL, a reanalysis of the study shows that the only significant indicators of funding are past success in securing funds and an emphasis on graduate education. (Author/MLW)

The impact of college on critical thinking ability was studied. Freshmen and seniors at a mideastern university were given either a general instruction or multiple specific instructions for critically evaluating one of two articles. Seniors provided more appropriate criticisms to both kinds of instructions for both articles. (Author/MLW)

A model based on statistical analysis of alternative choices, practical considerations, and ideal considerations can help students develop decision making skills. Students assign numerical ratings to considerations, chart them, and then construct a scattergram to show correlations between real and ideal considerations, for example. Examples of…

Details the development and system design of a computer-based instruction (CBI) program designed to provide tutorial training in diet modification as part of renal therapy and provides the results of a study that compared the effectiveness of the CBI program with the traditional lecture/laboratory method. (EAO)

Reviews the major tenets of the groupthink hypothesis of Irving Janis, as well as the research on which it is based. Reviews previous research on group dynamics related to groupthink. Proposes guidelines for research to test the propositions of groupthink. (Author/RC)

This article discusses the need for more accurate and complete input data and field verification of the various models of air pollutant dispension. Consideration should be given to changing the form of air quality standards based on enhanced dispersion modeling techniques. (Author/RE)

A general convex polytope technique for exploratory data analysis and its particular application to analyzing the input-output relationship in universities is discussed. Its use is illustrated by means of a simple analysis of data from Australian universities. (MLW)

Presents an overview of an approach in training Black masters-level students in research, with emphasis on research design, data collection, data analysis, and computer usage. (JCD)

Describes major areas of progress in organization development (OD): progress in operationalizing the concept of change; progress in improving measurement; and progress in designing statistical procedures used to analyze OD intervention data. Suggests recent research developments point to a more solid base on which to build OD practice and theory.…

A comprehensive theoretical model designed to explain the academic satisfaction, residential living satisfaction, academic performance, and retention of college students is presented. The model is tested against data obtained from a state university. Use of the model to test the effect of institutional policy measures on retention is described.…