Discusses several ways in which computers are being used in sociology and how they continue to change this discipline. Areas considered include data collection, data analysis, simulations of social processes based on mathematical models, and problem areas (including standardization concerns, training, and the financing of computing facilities).…

This paper explains how to combine probabilities from discrete distributions, such as probability distributions for nonparametric tests. (Author/BW)

A communication theory paradigm typically is used to investigate the relationship between evaluation information and utilization: "Who says what, how, to whom, with what effects?" This study investigates the "how," or medium of presentation, aspect of the paradigm. (Author/LMO)

An accurate needs assessment process is essential in designing effective career development systems. This model helps to guarantee a high-quality needs assessment. It provides a basis for conceptualizing an ideal system for a particular organization, for describing what currently exists, and for identifying gaps between the real and the ideal. (CT)

Changes in the composition of colleges and universities during the 1970s and the changes in the subpopulation of institutions with a high commitment to liberal arts education were studied. The effect these changes had on the diversity of the population and subpopulation is described. (MLW)

Used data from nutrient intake recall divided according to body weight to demonstrate how variance in measurement may lead to incorrect conclusions in evaluation of nutrition education. Demonstrates need for incorporating methods of minimizing effects of measurement error, advocating random assignment to groups or statistical control if random…

The effect that scores on a career-maturity scale and college experience have on the change of major status of four groups of college students was examined. The dependent variable was academic success measured by cumulative grade point average over a two-year period and change of major status. (MLW)

Graduate students individually examined 34 photographs for an investigation of commonly perceived underlying visual dimensions. Similarity judgements between photographs were used for multidimensional scaling; subject interview data were used to describe meaningful visual concepts. Results indicate that pictures were grouped in clusters along…

Commenting on Dobbert et al's article in this issue, argues that the best data on the transmission of culture can be obtained by combining a variety of methods, focusing on one domain and on a limited set of hypotheses at a time. Believes that, ideally, collaborative studies are required. (RDN)

The author discusses three issues related to the understanding of needs assessment in adult education in a critique of Brackhaus's article. These issues are definition of need, measurement of need indicators, and inference of need based on available indicators. The author discusses these issues at length and includes examples. (CT)

Stress among accounting educators was investigated and relationships between stress levels and work satisfaction levels, personality traits, and stress-coping techniques were examined. The most important personality charcteristics of higher stress individuals were impatience, assertiveness, workaholism, and idealism. (Author/MLW)

The various roles and uses of mathematics in developing global awareness in students are considered. Mathematics as a unifier of human experience and problem solving with a global emphasis are discussed with many illustrative examples. (MNS)

Three numerical coefficients for analyzing the validity and reliability of ratings are described. Each coefficient is computed as the ratio of an obtained to a maximum sum of differences in ratings. The coefficients are also applicable to the item analysis, agreement analysis, and cluster or factor analysis of rating-scale data. (Author/BW)

Effective internal evaluation requires dependable data for decision makers. Influences on clinical and fiscal data dependability are discussed. The focus is on organizational influences, data quality control, and staff concerns. (Author/PN)

Cognitive levels of 48 university students enrolled in humanities were assessed by Piagetian tasks. Three formal abilities were measured: combinatory, probability, control of variables. Results were analyzed according to school training effect and content of tasks. (Author/MLW)