Discusses the problem of fraud in scientific research and provides background on the medical research fraud case of John Darsee in 1981. Results of analysis of citations to Darsee's publications are reported, indicating that his work continues to be cited positively; and the dangers of fraudulent research are considered. (28 references) (MES)

Reviews empirical studies addressing acculturation across a variety of psychosocial variables. Two methodological weaknesses in the studies were (1) lack of a satisfactory scale to assess acculturation; and (2) excessive reliance on self-reports for information perceived as "personal" to Hispanics. Presents recommendations to improve…

Connor comments on Raimes' research on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) essay component, the Test of Written English (TWE), and the practices of the Educational Testing Service. Raimes' response is directed toward the TWE research agenda. (five references) (Author/LB)

This paper reviews limitations in the interpretations of group differences in studies that use younger, language-matched controls in addition to age-matched controls to examine the role of "language level" on performance. Problems arise because of the multidimensional nature of language, extraneous age effects associated with language matching,…

This study provides support for a potential subclinical marker in the executive function domain of siblings (n=18, ages 8-18) of autistic individuals, compared to learning-disabled controls. No group differences in theory-of-mind abilities were found. The need to develop more sensitive measures is discussed. (Author/JDD)

Claims of character educators must be reexamined. Enthralled at the prospect of reducing violence, crime, and other irresponsible behavior, untutored readers may assume a direct relationship between values and behavior. If the public enthusiastically endorses programs based on this fallacious assumption, the resulting disappointment may doom all…

Describes prospective longitudinal studies that pertain to stability, developmental pathways, and long-term outcome for conduct problems and hyperactivity. Reviews treatment outcome studies for these problems with at least one year of follow-up data. Discusses implications of longitudinal research for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of…

Psacharopoulos has found a declining rate-of-return to education pattern across levels of per capita income, using international data. A reexamination of Psacharopoulos's cross-country data refutes his declining rate-of-return hypothesis and points to diversity of cross-country experience as a possibly significant factor in interpreting the data.…

This essay on EC 606 264, which found that more intense early intervention programs for children with disabilities were not more effective, comments on the "political incorrectness" of the results, the possibility for misinterpretation of the results, and the need to reexamine beliefs about what contributes to effective intervention programs. (JDD)

Studied optimal experiences in 47 campers aged 11-12 years and 21 staff using experience sampling forms at random times during the day. Respondents rated the challenge of the activity and the amount of skill required on a four-point scale. Results suggest a high potential for optimal (flow) experiences in a camp setting. Provides suggestions to…

Empirical research pertaining to sexual behavior in sexually abused children, including record reviews, parent ratings, psychological assessment, self-report, and behavioral observation, is reviewed and discussed. Sexual behavior is reported significantly more often in sexually abused children than nonabused children. However, the consistency of…

A graphical-decision rule for studying an item's behavior and admitting items onto a test form is proposed. The tool--the isthmus of acceptance--ameliorates some parameter stability problems common to binary item response theory models by using a functional representation of item performance, and it is tuned to match current standards. (TJH)

Develops a two-step framework (resistance to privileged discourse followed by harmonic discourse) for understanding multicultural communication in organizations based on the assumption of cultural difference. Suggests four directions for future research to create the data base that would allow development of a model of multicultural communication…

Discusses two studies conducted in the same classroom at overlapping times that contain apparent contradictions about the teacher's effectiveness and the nature of discussions in his classroom. Concludes that the forms and mechanisms for conducting this type of research are inadequate and that the inherent issues of subjectivity and objectivity…

Examined male and female definitions of right and wrong in 15 boys, 15 girls, 15 men, and 15 women. Results demonstrated 3 different outcomes as result of varying the mode of investigating sex differences in appraising a moral dilemma. Concludes growth of moral judgment is elusive and can be pursued well only through a variety of research modes.…