Identifies significant limitations found in research on smoking behavior including the lack of common definitions of various behaviors, honesty of subject response, the lack of prospective studies, and the preponderance of univariate types of analyses. Presented at the 10th International Conference on Health Education in London, September 1979.…

Many researchers, including Buriel (EJ 187 987), incorrectly compared the results in each study with null hypotheses of zero differences between means or zero population correlations. Instead, a test of difference between the mean differences in the two samples or the direct comparison of the two sample correlations is required. (Author/CP)

The sciences of nutrition and toxicology require deep methodological reexamination. (JD)

The necessity and value of survey research in education as well as accomplishments and difficulties are discussed. (JMF)

Innacurate sample data and uncertain estimates are defined as obstacles to assessing the suicide rate among college students. A standardization of research and reporting services is recommended. (JMF)

The partial correlation coefficient is derived analytically under exemplary factor patterns. In these patterns, variables are described as an additive composition of a set of orthogonal factors, including general, common, and specific factors. Viewed in this framework, it is evident that the partial correlation may yield spurious results.…

Discusses research dealing with the study of menopause. Underscores the problems with the case study method. Discusses two population-based studies and the problems of age adjustment and measurement in menopause research. Highlights alternate research strategies. (MK)

Problems associated with randomization tests in single- case experiments are discussed. This article follows a discussion of randomization tests in single case studies in the same issue of this journal. (See TM 505 799; 505 801).(Author/JKS)

Discusses advantages, limitations, and techniques of oral history and suggests the method's usefulness for educational research. Provides a brief bibliography of works dealing with oral history and of books that have employed the method to the study of the early Afro-American experience. (GC)

Addresses the current breach between qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluation. Develops an argument for the continuity of qualitative and quantitative methods. (Author/MLF)

Discusses problems of measuring student learning using the Test of Understanding in College Economics (TUCE). Suggests that replacing TUCE questions with poor statistical validity will provide a better index of cognitive achievement. Describes results of a University of Notre Dame study which altered the TUCE to reflect course content. (KC)

Research shows that from the beginning students should be taught through their perceptual strengths; students can identify their preferences accurately; and younger children learn better through visual experiences than auditory experiences, and best through tactile-kinesthetic experiences. (Author)

Reports the results and difficulties of a study designed to determine if there is a relationship between employee fitness and employee performance. (Author/MLF)

Four levels of the behavior constraint-reinforcement variable were manipulated: attractive reward, unattractive reward, request to perform, and a no-reward control. Only the unattractive reward and request groups showed the performance decrements that suggest the overjustification effect. It is concluded that reinforcement does not cause the…

Interviews with adolescents revealed that they have a complex "divided metaphysics" of subjectivity, based on a dualistic view of reality versus appearance. Certain conceptual methodological issues surrounding research into self identity are discussed. (Author/DB)