The goal of this primer is to help policymakers and other interested individuals answer three big questions: (1) What does the research say? (2) Is the research trustworthy? (3) How can the research be used to guide policy? Answering these questions will help policymakers: (1) make evidenced-based decisions about education policies; (2) gain a…

This report describes the technical aspects of the establishment of a "Fast Response Survey System" for the state of Washington. The system, supported by the Stuart Foundation and the newly created Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP), is being designed to offer timely and useful information to the state's policy community…

The need for an increased use of statistical data and quantitative analysis in many areas of science policy is emphasized in this report of the hearing on science evaluation methods used in Great Britain. The testimony given by Professor Benjamin Martin of the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex in England explains how…

This report summarizes transfer of training methodologies, beginning with a discussion that defines simulators, fidelity, and realism, and briefly reviews simulator use in training. Two types of training are identified--training for system operation and training for maintenance (troubleshooting). An outline categorizes current research issues on…

The report reviews results of a project to examine pilot approaches to documenting the contributions of research in improving educational practice. The project abstracted 110 currently funded research projects in progress (to facilitate dissemination to the field), processed final reports of field-initiated and student-initiated research funded by…

This report offers three broad suggestions for redefining how small town service delivery is examined. First, it uses a very broad definition of service delivery that encompasses revenue enhancement methods, expenditure reduction options, and innovative program arrangements. Second, it argues that three interrelated categories of research needs…

This paper analyzes data from the Supplement on Aging (1984 Health Interview Survey) and cites improvements in survey design which account for dramatic increases in the number of elderly with severe visual impairments. Statistical tables on percentage distribution of visual problems by age and prevalence of severe impairments are included. (JDD)

Using three distinct indicators of well-being, differences and similarities are examined between a Wyoming boom town and a Utah non-boom community. Results provide evidence of disruption on only one indicator and highlight the importance of disaggregating boom town populations into distinct subpopulations when assessing effects of rapid growth.…

There is increasing concern among child care providers and states as to whether the methodology and data collection mechanisms of the various market rate surveys used by each state accurately capture the rates charged by child care providers. This paper examines issues related to market rate surveys as the customary method of determining…

Thirteen evaluations of programs to prevent child abuse and neglect are reviewed. The evaluations were characterized by careful attention to methodologic detail but lacked definitions of abuse or neglect. Important topics are omitted, such as the consequences and costs of medical neglect. (Author/JDD)

The Project on Secondary Analysis directed its attention to methodology and policy issues, focusing on reanalysis of existing data (1979-82)--surveys, program evaluations, etc.--as a vehicle for learning how to improve methods of obtaining and analyzing data, designing program evaluations, and constructing policy to enhance the quality and utility…

Systematic investigation of processes involved in needs analysis would improve current knowledge of the procedure and would bring analysts closer to the goal of generalized validity rather than situational validity. This article deals with two phases of the needs assessment process: selecting participants and defining needs and alternatives in…

This hearing addressed the issue of whether the delays in producing a proposed National Institute for Occupational and Safety Health (NIOSH) study on the possible health hazards associated with video display terminals (VDTs) are due to concerns about scientific methodology or unwarranted interference by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).…

Administrators of the fastest growing school district in Illinois have coped with enrollment planning. In addition to enrollment projection techniques, school staff attend city and county planning meetings and also count the number of housing units occupied and under construction. (MLF)

The reduction of lifetime working hours in Western industrialized countries is increasing the need for research, particularly qualitative, on the leisure of the elderly. This approach has been taken in planning a new empirical study. (MSE)