This article presents challenges facing child mental health services research and the contributions made by the series of papers in this journal issue. The series illustrates two major categories of services research: systems level research and clinical services level research. Methodological issues, particularly for randomized clinical trials in…

Presents a new image compression algorithm that employs some of the most successful approaches to adaptive lossless compression to perform adaptive online (single pass) vector quantization with variable size codebook entries. Results of tests of the algorithm's effectiveness on standard test images are given. (12 references) (KRN)

The nature of research in the field of intellectual disability is discussed, categories of basic research from published articles are analyzed, and issues are identified. Strongly recommended is the establishment of a national foundation in Australia to identify research priorities and coordinate research efforts. (DB)

A review of some of the interesting aspects of Hakka dialect studies precedes a discussion of areas needing further linguistic study, such as its resemblance to and contacts with other Chinese dialects, tonal correspondences, and the study of Chinese dialects from a Wellentheorie perspective. (53 references) (CB)

Discussion of recall and precision of index terms focuses on an information-theoretic measure of term specificity. Term weighting schemes are described, including the inverse document frequency (IDF) and signal-noise ratio (S/N) approaches; term weighting by specificity is explained; and the need for experiments with test document collections is…

Identifies six questions that have been insufficiently explored by instructional communication researchers. Reveals that the limited approach to inquiry has had the effect of privileging existing social and political arrangements. (MG)

Reports findings of a study conducted at the University of Michigan that replicated an earlier study on users' perceptions of the binary, or dichotomous, nature of their relevance judgments in information retrieval evaluation. Results that support the earlier study are discussed, and further research is suggested. (LRW)

Discusses the need for research about writing and technology. Poses needed research questions regarding descriptive research, correlation research, and qualitative research. Offers experimental questions as well. (PRA)

Formulates descriptive research findings into a utilitarian tool for principal leadership development programs. An instrument measuring attitude toward a (visionary) leadership ideal was developed, administered, and analyzed. Previous research findings were summarized. Results showed that the instrument would help assess individual acceptance of…

There should not be an intentional reduction of the technological focus in applied behavior analysis research to expand the theoretical focus. The manner in which applied behavior analysis has beneficially affected the field of developmental disabilities services demonstrates how technologically related research plays a necessary role. (JDD)

Describes and compares the results from two surveys of academic librarians in the State University of New York (SUNY) system that were conducted to determine librarians' satisfaction with faculty status. Evidence suggests that satisfaction correlates with institutional compliance with ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) standards.…

Reviews existing literature on school-based management (SBM) policy and research, highlighting methods to increase SBM's effectiveness. Offers new research directions, based on current knowledge and knowledge deficiencies. Future policy and research should look beyond delegation of budget, personnel, and curriculum decisions to schools and view…

Discussion of computer input devices focuses on the keyboard, mouse, and touchscreen. Related research is reviewed concerning user preference and performance; advantages and disadvantages of each device are described; guidelines for selection are discussed; and suggestions for future research are offered. (19 references) (LRW)

Defines dimensions of vocational thoughtfulness: transfer of learning, situated learning, and learning from experts who shape culture. Outlines potential areas of inquiry--empirical, interpretive, and critical. (SK)

Considers possible dysfunctions of supportive communication in the workplace and proposes a research agenda to investigate these dysfunctions at the micro and macro levels of analysis. (RS)