Discussion of the use of scientific information disseminated in primary subject literature focuses on a study that developed a methodology for hypothesis testing that measured document obsolescence by means of citation analysis and content obsolescence by expert opinions and then compared the results. Information validity and information utility…

The observed probability "p" is the social scientist's primary tool for evaluating the outcome of statistical hypothesis tests. The small-sample accuracy of nonnull asymptotic distributions of several functions of "p" was studied. Implications for use of the approximations are discussed. (SLD)

Modifications are proposed to the recently developed method of comparing one-step M-estimators of location corresponding to two independent groups that provides good control over the probability of Type I error even for unequal sample size, unequal variances, and different shaped distributions. Simulation results reveal cautions required. (SLD)

A quantitative ethogram was developed for the zebra finch, using one-zero focal animal sampling on an ethologically comprehensive checklist of 52 behavioral items, and it was assessed for interobserver reliability and construct validity. Applying the quantitative methods of psychometrics allows verification of ethological theory and testing of…

Presents a study designed to investigate the interaction between the cognitive style of field dependence/field independence and ability to recognize ground color change of a visual. A significant difference in recognition scores based on ground color change collapsing across cognitive style is reported. Implications for instructional design are…

Techniques are presented for use in meta-analysis to obtain effect sizes when information is missing from the original report. A method of reconstructing the mean squares within groups is presented for one-way analysis of variance and factorial designs. (SLD)

Three hypotheses accounting for individual differences in spatial visualization ability were investigated in 2 experiments with 142 male undergraduates at Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta). Support was found for the preservation-under-transformation hypothesis, suggesting that effectiveness of storage during concurrent information…

Discusses the use of groupware for computer-mediated teamwork and considers reasons for its lack of widespread acceptance. Topics include teams as a response to change; kinds of teams; electronic media and cooperative work; collaborative support systems; ways of learning; cultural considerations; and a proposed test series. Contains 54 references.…

Reports and discusses data from an ethnographic study of teacher educators in which a metaphor for teachers' work as bricolage generates a hypothesis about teacher education as a conservative determinant of teachers' work. Discusses the results and reasons why the theoretical adequacy of the bricolage explanation needs improvement. (DSK)

Presents an opinion on the appropriate use of significance tests, especially in the context of regression analysis, the most commonly encountered statistical technique in education and related disciplines. Briefly discusses the appropriate use of power analysis. Contains 47 references. (Author/SV)

Investigates predictions derived from the Karmiloff Smith framework for understanding the process of cognitive development. Finds broad support for the model but also indicates that behavior for some tasks is more variable than expected; and, contrary to expectations, that more abstract tasks did not disrupt behavior to any large extent. (DSK)

Discusses partial results of a research study designed to examine the support provided by a media-literacy program in the development of critical thinking of pupils aged 10 to 12 in Israel. Explains hypotheses tested, reports results of pretests and posttests, and compares results of low-achievement pupils versus high-achievement pupils.…

Reviews the hypothesis, "phonological bootstrapping," that a purely phonological analysis of the speech signal may allow infants to start acquiring the lexicon and syntax of their native language. Study presents a model of phonological bootstrapping of the lexicon and syntax that helps illustrate the congruence between problems. Article argues…

This naturalistic study examined the role of nonverbal communication in the academic library. The decision to approach or not approach a reference librarian was studied through the use of Mehrabian's immediacy metaphor, and it was hypothesized that the nonverbal behavior of the librarian is related to the user's decision. Contains 53 references.…

Presents the hypothesis that drama positively affects second language students by providing spontaneity and motivation. To test the hypothesis, the function of drama in language teaching is explored as well as the technique used to teach English through drama. (Author/VWL)