Three problems with stepwise research methods are explored. Computer packages may use incorrect degrees of freedom in stepwise computations. In addition, stepwise methods do not identify correctly the best variable set of a given size. A third problem is that stepwise methods tend to capitalize on sampling error. (SLD)

Explores the ethics of research using students as subjects. Discusses the issue of voluntary participation amid student perceptions that a survey questionnaire is "just another piece of schoolwork." Offers a study of drug use by 2,000 British students as an example. Examines the implications for administrators, teachers, and researchers.…

Notes a critical examination of fundamental assumptions of gerontological research reveals problematic sources of concept and theory development. When empirical findings conflict with researchers' theories, the latter must be reexamined and revised. Claims the aged themselves should be looked to for new hypotheses, and focus should be on such…

Notes that family researchers can examine extent of self-selection bias in samples by using range of "plausibly correlated characteristics" such as marriage and divorce public records. Provides extensive case example of analyses and discusses compensation techniques of weighting and hazard rate models. (Author/NB)

Investigates the use of "vague quantifiers" (terms such as "often,""sometimes,""rarely," or "never") in communication research. Finds that these words do not always mean the same thing to different people, and thus may not constitute interval scales. Suggests that research outcomes based upon such…

Tests the hypotheses that overconfidence occurs when strength is high and weight is low and that underconfidence occurs when weight is high and strength is low in 4 experiments with 153 students. Discusses weighing evidence, overconfidence/underconfidence in intuitive judgments, and item difficulty's effect on overconfidence. Relates the…

Conducted studies using two perspectives for obtaining evidence relevant to validity of autobiographical data. In Study 1, construct validity of standard psychological constructs (assertiveness, trustworthiness) obtained from autobiographies was equal to that of standard instruments designed to assess these constructs. Evidence for validity of…

The fundamental problems that ipsative measures impose for factor analysis are shown analytically. Normative and ipsative correlation matrices are used to show that the factor pattern induced by ipsativity will overwhelm any factor structure seen with normative factor analysis, making factor analysis not interpretable. (SLD)

Examines how the interpretation of historical events and the values on which the interpretation is based inform our knowledge of decision making in education. The historian's analysis of policy-related events is based not only on the shared ideals or inherent values of historical research but in the choices which individual historians make. (KS)

Many variations of psychosocial rehabilitation programs and their unclear relationship to the psychosocial rehabilitation construct have increased the probability of threats to construct validity of putative causes, resulting in potential confounding in investigator interpretation. As a minimum, comprehensive and concise operational definitions of…

A causal model of halo error (HE) is derived. Three hypotheses are formulated to explain findings of negative HE. It is suggested that apparent negative HE may have been misinferred from existing correlational measures of HE, and that positive HE is more prevalent than had previously been thought. (SLD)

Discusses a serious problem that has existed for years in language research with regard to the use of the inferential statistic known as the t test. (12 references) (JL)

Presents reanalysis of previously reported study (Zarit et al.,1987) with family caregivers (n=113) of dementia patients using the method of prediction analysis. Compared with subjects on a waiting list or enrolled in support groups, caregivers in individual and family counseling were more likely to have successful outcomes. Recommends previous…

Responds to counterpoints to original paper (Moon, Dillon, and Sprenkle, 1990). Describes continuum of social science inquiry paradigms as framework for exploring assumptions underlying respective positions. Addresses key issues raised by respondents and encourages balance in research efforts and continuing dialogue. Restates basic thesis that…

Responds to an article in the same issue of this journal. Explains the apparent "conflicts" between findings of two research studies (with different purposes and methods) of the same classroom. Emphasizes the different natures of qualitative and quantitative research. (SR)