An analysis using data drawn from Nancy Bayley's Berkeley Growth Study is performed for didactic purposes to illustrate the use of structural equation modeling on a child development data set. Alternatives to standard latent factor approaches are demonstrated for use in research situations in which the subject-to-variable ratio is less than…

Argues that standard structural equation modeling applied to cross-sectional data almost invariably results in misleading findings concerning relations among variables. Describes the latent longitudinal approach to causal modeling. The approach is one that fits longitudinal models to data, even if only cross-sectional data are available.…

Lists three criteria that can codetermine whether a new methodological technique is embraced by developmental researchers. Criteria include theoretical and methodological zeitgeist, conceptual and functional accessibility, and perspective enhancement. Using these criteria, evaluates the potential impact of structural equation modeling. (Author/RH)

Discusses criticisms of behavioral science research methodologies, and offers solutions which emphasize that it is only on the basis of theory that one can decide on an appropriate hypothesis to be tested, on a correct method of statistical analysis, and on whether the experimental results can be generalized to a population of interest. (Author/KS)

Describes the appropriate control of experiment-wise error rates and the researcher's role in making decisions to control for Type 1 errors. Issues related to level of significance, one- versus two-tailed tests, and the use of multivariate statistics are included. (Author/CT)

Introspective interviewing can often determine the magnitude of relations more meaningfully than statistical analysis. Deduction from empirically validated premises avoids many research design problems. Guesswork can be combined with sensitivity analysis to determine the effects of guesses and missing information on conclusions. (Author/DWH)

Based on an independent analysis of the data used to evaluate the Developmental Economic Education Program, questions are raised about the methodology and conclusions reached by Walstad and Soper in an article published in the Winter 1982 issue of the Journal. The original study is also defended in two replies. (Author/RM)

Questioned the statistical analyses of the Moleski and Tosi investigation of rational-emotive therapy versus systematic desensitization. Suggested means for lowering the error rate through a more efficient experimental design. Recommended a reanalysis of the original data. (LLL)

The family unit has become the focus for policy planning, program evaluation, and research. The data series published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics permits policymakers and planners to address social and economic issues affecting families on a more timely basis. (JOW)

This paper provides a review of two volumes of the "Journal of Industrial Teacher Education" and the "Journal of Vocational Education Research." One of the major findings of this review was that insufficient information was provided to make an informed judgment about internal validity. (SSH)

Research manuscripts recently published in the "Journal of Industrial Teacher Education" (JITE) and the "Journal of Vocational Education Research" (JVER) were reviewed to determine how effectively external validity had been handled. The main issue of concern when discussing validity is the generalizability of findings. (SSH)

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…

Discusses the importance of a knowledge of basic statistical concepts for a librarian's education, and the problem of implementing such an introductory course. Two class exercises dealing with sampling and probability and the Central Limit Theorem are described, and 11 references are included. (BK)

The article integrates information on three topics--the quantitative backgrounds and computing needs of social science students; cooperation among social science instructors, students, and computer center user consultants; and attitudes of instructors in public administration and political science doctoral programs. (Author/DB)

Used latent class analysis to test statistically Siegler's rule assessment methodology, the number of rules needed to fit a set of data. Found that rules can be identified, that some are different from those proposed by Siegler, the correct rule is not acquired by subjects, and that the rules in the transitional period are difficult to identify.…