Tukey's scheme for finding separations in univariate data strings is described and tested. It is found that one can use the size of a data gap coupled with its ordinal position in the distribution to determine the likelihood of its having arisen by chance. (Author/JKS)

A journal evaluation study was conducted at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) libraries to assist in subscription renewals, collection relevance enhancement, and determination of efficient methodology. Data collection included a use study, circulation and inter-library loan statistics, core journals, questionnaires, costs,…

This article explores ways in which library and computing scientists can cooperate to serve social science users by blending the unique talents and traditions that each has to offer. (Author)

Observed percentiles provide better estimates when they are based on grouped data rather than on raw data. This is especially true when the data set is relatively small and the population distribution is not too skewed or heavy-tailed. Applied statisticians could take advantage of this fact by implementing a program for estimating percentiles from…

Compares qualitative and quantitative data, identifies common qualitative methods, describes a step-by-step process for gathering and analyzing qualitative data, and discusses two applications of the process to Extension. (Author)

Measures of agreement for ordinal-scaled data are suggested that make use of the k categories with the highest ranks. The proposed measures are applied to the Self-Directed Search in order to evaluate its agreement with self-assessment (translation ability) or with the work environment (congruence). (Author)

Epstein (1974) claims evidence for regular two-year growth spurts in the development of brain and mind, a phenomenon he calls phrenoblysis. Unfortunately, repeated analysis of the data he presents as proof of his theory provides no support. (Author/RH)

Statistical issues concerning the analysis of multilevel data common in educational studies are discussed. Computer simulation results are presented to argue for a modification of two currently popular approaches to multilevel or contextual analytical procedures. (JKS)

Factor analysis programs in SAS, BMDP, and SPSS are discussed and compared in terms of documentation, methods and options available, internal logic, computational accuracy, and results provided. Based on these comparisons, preferences for SAS and against SPSS factor analysis programs are recommended. (Author/JKS)

Missing data is an important issue that is discussed across many fields. In order to understand the issues caused by missing data, this paper reviews the types of missing data and problems caused by missing data. Also, to understand how missing data are handled in instructional technology research, articles published in "Educational Media…

This paper identifies specific problems with stepwise regression, notes criticisms of stepwise methods by statisticians, suggests appropriate ways in which stepwise procedures can be used, and gives examples of how this can be done. Although the stepwise method has been routinely criticized by statisticians, it is still frequently used in the…

This Digest, intended as an instructional aid for beginning research students and a refresher for researchers in the field, identifies key factors that play a critical role in determining the credibility that should be given to a specific research study. The needs for empirical research, randomization and control, and significance testing are…

Missing data occur in virtually every study. This paper reviews some of the various strategies for addressing this problem. The paper also provides instructional detail on two accessible ways of estimating missing data, both using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows: (1) substitution of missing values with the variable mean…

This document provides some examples of questions that might be asked about research design and analysis, or that might be used in test construction. The accompanying answers form a basic discussion of research design and analysis techniques. Short-answer constructed response answers are provided for questions about: (1) control in an experiment;…

An analysis is given of a survey appeal made in the November 1972 issue of Social Education in which readers were asked to supply evaluative information on social studies materials they were using. (Author/KM)