Discussed problems and deficiencies in past research on clinical diagnosis, pertaining to sampling problems with regard to clinical subjects studied, adequacy of control groups, base rates, clinical versus statistical significance, lack of cross-validation, and problems due to reliance on inadequate schemes of classification. Future research is…

An extensive review of the literature on Mexican-American elderly reveals more argument than consensus in interpretation of available data and a tendency for researchers to treat this population as if it were homogeneous. To improve this situation, specific recommendations for future research are offered. (Author)

The use of evaluations for policy and program development and change is critically reviewed. Existing conceptions of utilization are discussed and improvements in the methods of detecting use are suggested. Five clusters of variables affecting utilization are described and hypotheses about the reasons for their effects are outlined. (Author/AL)

The choice of the clustering method, the similarity measure, the computer program, and the procedure for estimating the number of clusters should be clearly specified in any journal article using cluster analysis. Adequate evidence of a cluster solution's validity should be provided before the solution is published. (Author)

Raises objections to the methodology used and the conclusions drawn by L. S. Fleisher, J. R. Jenkins, and D. Pany in a study reported in a previous issue of this journal (see EJ 210 792). (MKM)

The article reviews the empirical evidence implicating conductive hearing impairments as causal agents in learning disability, language dysfunction, and central auditory problems. It is concluded that there are few, if any, valid data linking conductive hearing impairment to any of these problems. (Author/DLS)

The authors, while supporting the view expressed in EC 124 402 that decisions on school readiness should not be determined by birthdate, express concern over statistics used in the study. (CL)

In this overview, the author discusses the need for art therapy research, problems it entails, and types of research approaches which may be used. Appended is a commentary by Janie Rhyne outlining the design of her own research. This article is part of a theme issue on art therapy. (SJL)

Criteria for usefulness of evaluative information have changed and this means the model of evaluation used by extension must meet the new criteria. Evaluation research is now considered the legitimate model for evaluation; it can aid decision makers by providing data for making unpopular decisions. (LRA)

Manpower and organizational problems are seen as the primary obstacles to progress in educational research in Spain. Lack of interest or demand for research results is also suggested as a serious problem. It is proposed that in Spain and in other countries educational research is a luxury maintained primarily for appearances. (MSE)

Traces the shift of paradigms in the political science profession from the 1960s to 1980, examines the classical paradigm, compares it with modern paradigms, and reviews contemporary efforts to articulate a new paradigm which takes the ecological crisis into account. (Author/DB)

Reviews various social science models of man designed to explain the issue of limits to growth for human societies. Presents arguments often advanced by proponents of pessimistic and optimistic schools of thought regarding whether society will be successfully able to deal with the limits to growth controversy. (Author/DB)

Discusses the ethical issues surrounding anthropological research and the gap between professional social scientists and the native populations they study. Issues are presented from the perspective of Black Americans' reactions to investigation by White social scientists in a segregated society. (MK)

Suggests a method for introducing university students to the notion that apparently straight-forward scientific research may contain ideological flaws. Explores researchers who have undertaken debates in their literature and classifies their ideologies as either aware or unaware. (Author/KC)

Is it ethical to select clients at random for a beneficial social service, then deny the benefits to a control group for the sake of science? Participation of control groups in planning, implementation and evaluation of social programs may resolve ethical issues. (Author/CP)