Explores problems involved in the quantitative verification of independent variables in investigations of the effects on student outcomes of planned variations in instructional behavior. Specifically addresses (1) gathering of data through direct systematic observation, and (2) analysis of those data through the use of inferential statistics. (GC)

In examining considerations in determining sample sizes for factor analyses, attention was given to the effects of outliers; the standard error of correlations, and their effect on factor structure; sample heterogeneity; and the misuse of rules of thumb for sample sizes. (Author)

In a desegregating school district in Springfield, Massachusetts, Black students who walked to a predominantly Black elementary school that they had attended for at least two years (and to which Whites were being bused) had higher achievement scores than Black students who were being bused to a predominantly White school. (MJL)

Creating meaning from a literary text is a complex process involving interaction between the reader and the text. Theoretical and empirical investigations of how and why readers respond to literature are reviewed, and methodological problems involved in analyzing readers' oral responses are addressed. (PP)

The advantages and disadvantages of the evaluation of school health services in the Eugene, Oregon, public school district are discussed as an illustrative case study. The methodology of the work is presented; evaluation results are analyzed; and the reactions of board members and health services personnel are described. (Author/PN)

Examines how 1980 Census data can be used in: (1) estimating Hispanic Americans' health care needs; (2) identifying Hispanic subgroups with special health care problems; and (3) designing other local social surveys of Hispanics. Discusses problems in using census data for Hispanic health services research, and explores strategies for dealing with…

Discusses operational terms used to denote Hispanic American populations; presents a typology for determining the comparability of studies of different Hispanic groups (through comparison of certain group characteristics); and demonstrates the application of the typology in comparing three research studies. (MJL)

Inadequacies of the basic literature on punishment may limit its application in public school settings with mildly and moderately handicapped students. A large research void exists concerning such basic issues as how the timing, scheduling, type, and intensity of punishment affects children's behaviors in applied settings. (SEW)

The evaluators of Push/Excel assumed that it was a systematically developed program with measurable outcomes, not a charismatically inspired movement whose effects would be hard to pin down. As a result, neither the program nor the evaluation approach used were adequately tested. (Author)

Discusses research strategy and data collection methods in field studies of unapprehended illegal immigrants living in the United States and suggests ways to increase the reliability and validity of interview responses. Also provides a bibliography of recent field studies of undocumented immigrants. (Author/GC)

Discusses information retrieval techniques involving both Boolean retrieval schemes and a weighting mechanism to produce ranked search output and points out theoretical ambiguities and inconsistencies demonstrated by recent research. An alternative search approach is outlined and analyzed and a more rigorous methodology is suggested. Eleven…

The theoretical and practical implications of viewing difficult temperament as a characteristic of the individual rather than as a social perception are discussed, with an emphasis on an interactionist view of developmental process. (Author/MP)

Compared the life satisfaction of elderly Whites and Blacks. Showed that most factors influencing life satisfaction of elderly people have similar effects among Blacks and Whites. Although greater numbers of physical impairments lead to lower life satisfaction for both races, the negative effect is considerably stronger among Blacks. (Author/JAC)

It is argued that: (1) the language of teaching-effectiveness and teacher-competency research is promoting subtly a technical and political ideology; and (2) the efforts of this research activity serve to perpetuate a set of myths about the teaching experience. An alternative focus on the "unique person who teaches" is suggested for…

Significant correlations between measures of cognitive structure and performance were found using a procedure distinguishing between episodic and semantic memory as an heuristic with achievement test items. The design increased the likelihood of indications of semantic memory. Higher-order and lower-order cognitive processes are discussed.…