This paper examined the assessment of second-language proficiency in 157 research articles published in 5 language journals from 1988 through 1992, finding 4 major conventions for the assessment of language proficiency: (1) impressionistic judgment; (2) institutional status; (3) in-house measures; and (4) standardized test scores. (64 references)…

This commentary responds to a critique (EC 601 711) of a paper (EC 211 387) concerning use of cluster analysis to develop a taxonomy of lifestyles of families with severely mentally retarded children. The commentary considers the model to be useful in social science inquiry, and properly validated when using cluster analytic techniques. (JDD)

Examined the effects of type of distribution and type of response scale on observed integration patterns in five, six, and seven year olds. Findings showed that the effect of two factors, age and type of scale, were significant. (SH)

Criticizes Calvin Veltman's methodology in "The Future of the Spanish Language in the United States," in which he concludes that a majority of U.S.-born Spanish-dominant speakers are abandoning Spanish and becoming English speakers. Suggests that English language usage does not necessarily indicate English proficiency. Discusses…

Reviews the "Journal of Curriculum and Supervision" Spring 1990 issue from a scientific viewpoint. This article found ambiguous word meanings, apparent contradictions in and among several authors' writings, an artificially dichotomous formulation of the relationship between two complementary inquiry methods and uncritically held…

Review of research investigating gender differences in computer-related behavior examines statistical and methodological flaws. Issues addressed include sample selection, sample size, scale development, scale quality, the use of univariate and multivariate analyses, regressional analysis, construct definition, construct testing, and the…

Discusses problems for educational research posed by the unpredictability and indeterminism of human behavior. Presents a theory of purposeful behavior (perceptual control theory) to provide an explicit working model of how individuals produce repeatable outcomes via variable means. Describes primary characteristics of this theory and its…

International comparisons of academic achievement are faulted by methodological problems. U.S. schools are doing better in international comparisons than we have been led to believe. However, there are shortcomings. An education reform agenda needs to treat poor urban and rural schools as patients in an intensive-care ward. (MLF)

Posits that a "democratic approach" to defining and evaluating educational quality is necessary, since the concept of quality itself is heavily subjective and value based, and that educational evaluation is best achieved through the involvement of all participants, including practitioners, parents, and children. (MDM)

Explores limits of quantitative research methods and introduces qualitative approach, focus groups, as alternative information-collection tool for student personnel administrators. Presents two research projects where focus groups were used. Maintains that focus group approach has several advantages, including cost effectiveness, emphasis on…

Describes a case study methodology that combines a three-year longitudinal study with nine retrospective studies about the same phenomenon. Explains how specific strengths in each method compensate for some particular weakness in the other. Suggests circumstances for which dual methodology is especially appropriate. (35 references) (MLF)

Learning styles advocates claim long-term improvements in four aspects of teaching and learning: curriculum design, instructional methods, assessment, and student guidance. The application of learning style theory encompasses three pervasive problems: confusion in definitions, weakness in measurement reliability and validity, and identification of…

Reviews the role of statistical significance testing, and argues that dominance of such testing is dysfunctional because significance tests do not provide the information that many researchers assume they do. Possible reasons for the persistence of statistical significance testing are discussed briefly, and ways to moderate negative effects are…

Presents guidelines for recognizing and avoiding potential problems associated with conducting graduate work in a developing country. Guidelines include methods for setting objectives, initial planning, knowing cooperating organizations, making a preliminary visit, on site activities, and communication with faculty advisors. (MDH)

In "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference" (1993), Michael L. Penn, Stanley O. Gaines, and Layli Phillips argue that misguided and mythical ideal of racial-social integration in America is the only reasonable and effective foundation for real African empowerment in American society. Serious intellectual battle will be required to…