Seven studies of the positive long- and short-term effects of good preschool programs on low-income youngsters provide evidence that such programs can be effective. The studies also reveal some of the problems faced by researchers in this field. (PGD)

Data from seven California elementary schools suggest that effective instructional leadership is both multidimensional and sensitive to school socioeconomic status (SES); in low SES schools, it involves direct supervisory activity and attention paid to school climate. Twenty-six reference notes are appended. (MLF)

Methods for selecting relevant and appropriate quasi-experimental studies for inclusion in research synthesis using the threats-to-validity approach are presented. Effects of including and excluding studies are evaluated. (BS)

Presents five research designs--sequential analysis, value added analysis, nonequivalent dependent variables, regression discontinuity, cohort design--for studying computer-based teaching methods when a randomized two-group design is impractical; provides examples of studies employing these designs and decision flowchart; and discusses selection…

Nothing will kill the value of historical research more readily than a trendy, purposelessness, and careless methodology. Suggestions offered aim to give pause to future historical researchers so that they may reflect about what aspects of art they choose to study. (RM)

Many evaluation researchers are now attempting to synthesize quantitative and qualitative approaches. Although such efforts appear to carry great promise, some subtleties and incompatibilities of these approaches are perhaps being overlooked. Implications for social inquiry are discussed. (Author/GDC)

This article argues that the 1981 work of Carbno presented unwarranted conclusions because its design included an improper operationalization of the object of measurement, given the problems addressed, and because the sample sizes employed were too small. (Author/PN)

Types of comparisons for evaluation of mnemonics were identified based on equating exposure to the to-be-learned associations or on total study time. Experiments on the cueword method illustrated how highly analytical experiments on mnemonics might be conducted and how choice of comparisons in research could affect mnemonic evaluation. (Author/DWH)

A study with Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong was used to develop the Chinese Sex-Role Inventory (CSRI). The CSRI was constructed following Bem's procedures in his creation of the Bem Sex Role Inventory. (Author/ML)

Discusses lack of integration between communication and educational technology research, and argues that theory and research must be reciprocal, that media research efforts will continue to produce limited observations without acknowledgement of commonality with communication, and that findings of previous media research need to be integrated…

Discussion of difficulties in evaluating simulations and games as teaching techniques includes range of claims made for the techniques; variety available; lack of specificity of technique objectives at design stage; limitations of objective-oriented research; inherent difficulties of comparative evaluation against alternative techniques; and…

Interviews with 26 experienced international evaluators are reported to identify problems and possible solutions in cross cultural evaluations (evaluations of programs or projects in developing countries by persons from the industrialized West). It is concluded that understanding cultural norms and values increases an evaluator's ability to…

Variations in perceptions of evaluation, research methods, time, social class, and priorities are only some of the reasons why evaluation work in a Third World setting calls evaluators' basic assumptions about people and society into question. Evaluation experiences in the Caribbean are used to illustrate practical problems that may arise.…

The central finding emerging from this literature review is that rewards can have either undermining or enhancing effects depending on the circumstances. It emerges that the recipient's perception of the functions of the dispensed reward is critically important. (Author/PN)

Conducted a content analysis of research articles (N=80) published in professional journals to assess the reliance on one family member for data to be generalized to the conjugal or family unit. Results showed that over time (1965-1978) there has been a continued reliance on individual family members for data. (JAC)