Methods for recording information derived from focus groups are described as follows: (1) transcribe the entire discussion from a tape; (2) expand reporter's notes by using a tape; and (3) work from reporter's notes only. Three approaches are also suggested for synthesizing the discussion into an accurate text. (SLD)

Used empirical example of longitudinal experimental prevention study with two groups to illustrate use of structural equation modeling, first, to systematically test measurement invariance across groups at each wave of measurement, and second, after establishing measurement invariance, to test structural invariance longitudinally. (Author/NB)

Examined reports of one physically abused child from each of 789 families. Results of ordinal probit regression analysis identified that model with four predictors (perpetrator identity, reporter identity, severity of allegations, and season report was made) and two interaction terms (child's age by mother's age and child's age by child's gender)…

Effects of choice of data analysis program on outcomes of meta-analysis were studied by considering the extent to which four commonly used Schmidt and Hunter validity generalization-based meta-analytic software programs produce identical outcomes. Differences were minor and did not influence outcomes. (SLD)

Many studies examining health service utilization by older adults involve secondary analyses of existing data sources and rely on behavioral model of health services utilization. Suggests that severe shortcomings in breadth and depth of available data, and numbers of intervals at which data have been recorded, limit understanding of health…

This poem, with stanzas in limerick form, refers humorously to the many threats to validity posed by problems in research design, including problems of sample selection, data collection, and data analysis. (SLD)

Arguments supporting the use of the exploratory case method in evaluating reviews of multivocal literature are repeated, and points of general agreement with M. Q. Patton and R. F. Elmore are reviewed. Disagreement is expressed with R. K. Yin about the value of grounded theory in analyzing multivocal literature. (SLD)

The concerns about the use of a modified scree test in analyzing data from Delphi surveys may not be important if the scree test data are weighted. Factors important to the study can be incorporated into the test, and the ordinate on the graph can be labeled accordingly. (SLD)

Examines current practices in mass communication research with respect to message experiment design, analysis, and interference. Provides a logically consistent framework for mass communication researchers to make experimental design and data analysis decisions. (PRA)

Because of the importance of single-subject studies in mental retardation research, a meta-analysis of the literature examining interrater agreement for visual analysis of single-subject data was conducted. Analysis revealed an overall itinerant agreement value of 0.58 for 14 studies representing 789 raters. Effects of data type, design type,…

Time-series analysis of association between social indicators and suicide and homicide rates in United States from 1945 to 1984 and ecological analysis of same variables over continental states revealed that only divorce rates were consistently associated with suicide and with homicide rates (positively with both). (Author)

Describes a marketing plan to increase enrollment in summer camps. Includes analyzing enrollment statistics, implementing marketing strategies that focus on retaining current campers, establishing a ranking system to concentrate efforts on inquiries most likely to enroll, and analyzing the effectiveness of marketing strategies. (LP)

Describes an investigation that focuses on comparing data sets by using data on 37 brands of peanut butter and their quality ratings. (ASK)

Outlines concerns that must be addressed by those who advocate replacing statistical hypothesis-testing with alternative data-analysis strategies. Suggests that commonly recommended alternatives are not perfect and that various hypothesis-testing modifications can be implemented to make the process and its conclusions more credible. Hypothesis…

Examined cognitive complexities when graphs were used in lectures by observing 39 lectures, 36 seminars in which students solved problems, and 14 sessions of scientists interpreting graphs. Findings show that lectures present a scanty image of the use and interpretation of graphs. Discusses the analytic method, which relies on semiotics and…