This study hypothesized band performance as a three-level hierarchical judgment with a basic level defined by specific terms, an intermediate level comprising a small number of interrelated factors, and a top level characterized by one overarching higher order. Results clearly confirmed three primary factors but suggested further study. (MJP)

Explores the need to teach undergraduate sociology majors about statistical methods. Identifies student based obstacles to the learning of statistics. Offers an instructional model that includes (1) warm up sessions; (2) organizational models; (3) application exercises; (4) pattern recognition; and (5) sociological meaning. Recommends the model as…

There is a common perception that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is diversifying and expanding in terms of its supply and demand. Practitioners and policymakers often believe that educational systems are offering a wider array of programmes at different levels and in various fields of study. They also assume that these…

Band, orchestra, and choir festival evaluations are a regular part of many secondary school music programs, and most such festivals engage adjudicators who rate each group's performance. Because music ensemble performance is complex and multi-dimensional, it does not lend itself readily to precise measurement; generally, musical performances are…

The literature of bibliometrics suggests that the results of bibliometric studies can be of practical use in libraries by providing a scientific basis for collection management decisions. Reports on the application of these studies are virtually nonexistent and a number of reasons for this are suggested. (EM)

Reviews a computer-assisted learning package (available from CONDUIT) which introduces survey and sampling techniques by pretending that the user is a pollster asking one of six questions of a more or less political nature. Documentation and performance are rated fair while ease of use is considered excellent. (JN)

Nonlinear least squares computer programs are extremely valuable in fitting complicated equations to experimental data. They are easy to use and free students and teachers from the tedium of trying to derive linearized forms to complicated equations. The use of these programs (available for most medium/large scale computers) is discussed. (JN)

Compares three statistical methods for measuring the weight of examination components in determining the ranking of overall results. The authors demonstrate the limitations in using standard deviation and part-with-whole correlations and show how covariance techniques provide the best indicators of component weights. Theoretical objections to the…

Extends the application of qualitative response analysis to economic education. Uses multinomial logit analysis to identify variables that determine academic performance in an undergraduate money and banking course. Reports results that suggest the key determinants are an adjusted cumulative grade point average and percentile rank on college…

Basic information on the research process is offered to college health professionals in four articles titled: "An Introduction to the Research Process,""Designing the Study,""Representative Designs and Their Challenges," and "Analyzing and Communicating Results." Covered are the literature review, hypothesis development, sampling, measurement…

Describes an attempt to plot the walking speeds of crowds as a Maxwellian velocity distribution in one dimension, analagous to an ideal gas approximation. (CP)

Examines determinants of tuition at American private colleges using 1982-83 data. Hedonic regression analysis involving over 20 quality measures shows that private college tuition responds in economically sensible ways to changes in public tuition and in quantity and quality of the faculties, facilities, and student bodies at private colleges.…

Using logarithmic and statistical data, this study analyzes teacher quality as a determinant of student performance on standardized tests. The most startling finding: a 1 percent increase in teacher competency, as measured by standardiazed test scores, is accompanied by a 5 percent decline in student failure rate on high school competency…

Salary, salary increase, and fringe benefit statistics for elementary school principals are compared with other school system positions, geographic regions, enrollment groups, and per-pupil expenditure groups. (DCS)

Discusses various aspects of scientific software, including evaluation and selection of commercial software products; program exchanges, catalogs, and other information sources; major data analysis packages; statistics and chemometrics software; and artificial intelligence. (JN)