Reviews recent trends in grade organization and factors to consider in examining changes at the district level. Cites the lack of empirical evidence supporting any one form of grade organization as a reason for the range of patterns found in American school districts. Offers guidelines for accomplishing grade organization change. (Author/WD)

Hintzman's 1980 attack on certain analyses in memory research is based on doubtful presumptions, namely, that contingency tables are inherently suspect as evidence for or against scientific conclusions and that pressing this logical argument is in some way an acceptable substitute for empirically examining the conclusions in question. (Author)

Taking issue with the preceding article by Caruso and Detterman, the author contends that research can be one of many respected voices in the political process. According to him, recent research on the effects of early education has played a crucial role in policy decisions about Project Head Start. (Author/WD)

Discusses research in creativity with particular emphasis on the problems encountered in assessing creativity from a life-span developmental framework. Alternative developmental models and measures are discussed as future research recommendations for the assessment of life-span creativity. (Author/RH)

The author defines the aims of cross-cultural research in art education and examines the problems inherent in such research, using as an illustration a summary chart of Child's cross-cultural studies of esthetic sensitivity. Emphasis is placed on the need for rigor in research design and execution. (SJL)

Discusses research project by Donahue and Costar suggesting counselors evaluate and remedy bias toward women. Comments on possible problems with research imply the recommendation is unwarranted. Researcher maintains bias exists in career counseling. (JC)

Lists six problems related to descriptive data and to factor analysis performed in a previous research study reported in this journal. Includes the authors' response to the suggested weaknesses of their study. (JN)

The use of hypothesis testing is widespread in occupational education research. In this, the first of two parts dealing with hypothesis testing, the authors show that considering Type II error can strengthen research results. (Author)

Reevaluates literature on the development of transitive inference in light of theoretical and methodological criticisms, and examines two aspects of the Piagetian account of the development of this cognitive ability. Criticism leveled is based on the observations that ability to make transitive inferences is not age-related and that children and…

The conclusion that differences in achievement in mathematics between males and females has a genetic basis is seen as based on a number of faulty assumptions. Concern about recent research that can lead to social damage when misquoted and misinterpreted is expressed. (MP)

Employed a developmental context to discuss the problem of assessing both quantitative and qualitative deficits in the behavioral profiles of various diagnostic subcategories of developmentally disabled children. Methods of appropriate matching of control groups are suggested to help delineate specific and general deficits in subgroups of…

Teacher behaviors toward hyperactive boys on methylphenidate (ritalin), toward hyperactive boys on placebo, and toward normal comparison peers were compared. Teachers were more intense and controlling toward hyperactive boys on placebo, but no differences emerged between comparison and medicated groups. Need for broader monitoring of treatment…

This paper delineates conditions under which the use of change scores will not produce misleading results, and may perhaps be preferable to other methods of analysis. The validity of change scores in randomized pretest-posttest designs is discussed along with situations where analysis of change scores should be used. (Author/GK)

Problems in area studies programs are linked to three deficiencies: weakness of all interdisciplinary programs, failure of the U.S. government to supply leadership and resources, and American inability to link essentially academic programs to those that have public policy goals. National and international support are encouraged. (MSE)

Examines ways in which researchers could enhance the policy relevance of their research on women and ways in which the psychology establishment could encourage the development of policy-relevant research. The history and dilemmas created by the "Brandeis brief" are presented. The last section presents some important policy issues affecting women.…