The relative worth of any evaluation instrument depends on user needs and the material being evaluated. Potential users of a good computer assisted instruction (CAI) instrument include purchasers, authors, reviewers, and publishers of CAI materials. Although each user has unique needs, a good instrument will serve both to educate and discriminate,…

This chapter outlines the theory of cost-benefit analysis and discusses its application to determining the cost-benefit of instructional development projects. Three types of applications are discussed: (1) descriptive applications of single projects; (2) predictive studies of proposed projects; and (3) comparative analysis of alternative projects…

The search for and generation of causal explanations required by the task of explaining an initial impression, appear to be sufficient to raise the subjective likelihood of the event explained and to result in the persistence of the initial impression. Generating supporting and counter arguments with respect to the event does not result in an…

This paper examines the concepts of program monitoring and program evaluation in the literature, and offers working definitions based on two dimensions of measurement: focus (what questions are addressed) and timing (how often the measures are taken). Focus can be on inputs to the program or outcomes from it; timing can be one-shot or continuous.…

This book details a total approach to writing objectives, designing measuring instruments, performing objective comparisons, and avoiding pitfalls in conducting three types of instructional program evaluations. Chapters discuss issues, problems, and solutions in the following sequence: (1) an overview of instructional program evaluation; (2)…

Discusses development of rational set generator--an overall method for creating a rational set of examples to teach concepts and evaluate student knowledge levels--which combines formulas for creating examples measuring discrimination and generalization. Also discussed are results of a study to test the efficacy of a rational set generator. (MBR)

This study suggests a new model for the evaluation of educational software authoring systems and applies this model to a particular authoring system, CSR Trainer 4000. The model used is based on an integrated set of software engineering and instructional design principles. (Author/LRW)

Examination of methods used by two software review services in evaluating microcomputer courseware--EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange) and MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers)--found low correlations between their recommendations for 82 programs. This lack of agreement casts doubts on the usefulness of…

Describes the Children's Television Workshop (CTW) production model, a general process model utilized in the production of "Sesame Street" and all other CTW productions. The model's assumptions are explicated and its effectiveness is assessed using Scriven's logic of evaluation. (MBR)

Presents a general mathematical framework for information retrieval, in which query evaluation is seen as a mapping from the free term algebra built by query descriptors and weights to the semantic algebra of evaluation value. Competing mathematical models that try to describe how retrieval systems behave are reviewed. (Author/MBR)

Teacher selection is one of the most important managerial decisions made by school administrators. A laboratory study was performed to assess the impact of interpersonal performance styles on decisions made by administrators in interview situations. Research methodology and results are discussed. (DF)

Several interrelated issues pertaining to the measurement of spinal curvature are discussed, including the inherent limitations of the kyphotic index, the most widely used indicator in the evaluation of kyphosis. The paper suggests use of the Flexicurve to quantify spinal posture, suggests modifications to the Flexicurve, and presents results on…

A study of 24 videotaped interviews with sexually abused children (ages 4-12) investigated the effectiveness of using anatomically correct dolls during the interview process. Results found that when children were interviewed without dolls they gave longer and more detailed responses, suggesting that use of the dolls inhibited rather than…

This paper reacts to testimony on early childhood special education research before the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education (EC 632 080). It notes the real technical and practical difficulties of developing valid assessments and research on the effectiveness of interventions. It urges greater attention to identifying…

Psychotropic drug use in a large Massachusetts public facility for mentally retarded adults was reduced to and maintained at approximately 20 percent over an eight-year period during which a monitoring and evaluation procedure (including interdisciplinary team review, identification of target behaviors, and concurrent alternative forms of…