Views intercoder reliability as a sampling problem for content analyses. Develops a formula for generating sample sizes needed to have valid reliability estimates. Suggests steps for reporting reliability. (TB)

Using multivariate statistical techniques and selected interviews, a study explored relationships between tuition levels at public institutions, state subsidies for public institutions, and state financial aid programs. Results indicate few states are systematically addressing issues of affordability. There were no statistically significant…

Addresses the question of why counting has figured so prominently in feminist social sciences studies of children's literature. Documents the quantitative approach to children's books used by both liberal and radical feminists; gives an account of why this approach has been so popular among feminist social scientists; and outlines some of the…

Important differences in the theory and practice of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are highlighted. This article suggests that each of these methodologies can be improved by utilizing key ingredients of the other. (Author/IAH)

Discusses three topics related to interpretation of discriminant analyses (DA's): (1) partial F ratios and partial Wilks's lambdas for predictor variables in standard, step-down, and stepwise DA's; (2) relation of goals of classification to definition/evaluation of classification rules; and (3) significance tests for total hit rates in internal…

An attempt is made to clarify the philosophical foundations of the debate over research methodology appropriate for psychology in particular and the utility of null hypothesis testing in general. The article also relates the debate to education and suggests that the debate is far from settled. (IAH)

Criticizes the application of the statistical procedures of the population-genetic approach within evolutionary biology to the study of psychological development. Argues that the application of the statistical methods of population genetics--primarily the analysis of variance--to the causes of psychological development is bound to result in a…

Argues that Gottlieb rejects population sampling and statistical analyses of distributions as he proposes that his experimental brand of mechanistic science is the only legitimate approach to developmental research. Maintains that Gottlieb exaggerates developmental uncertainty, based on his own research with extreme environmental manipulations.…

Argues that a truly developmental behavior genetics will have to go beyond the traditional quantitative approach of population genetics in order to produce developmental explanatory content about differences and similarities in developmental outcomes. (MDM)

This article describes four single-subject research designs comparing two or more interventions with young disabled children--the multitreatment design, alternating treatments design, adapted alternating treatments design, and parallel treatments design. Problems in using these designs include multitreatment interference, nonreversibility of some…

Addresses epistemological questions about the nature of ontology, theoretical questions concerning the knowledge of sense perceptions, and methodological questions regarding the scientific truth-effect of procedures integral to arguments for and against the use of qualitative forms of analysis as a feasible and effective means for conducting…

Comments on some methodological limitations of the research base of "The Bell Curve": blind use of the normal distribution (bell curve); avoidance of nonnormal statistical distributions, which are more appropriate for some social and economic characteristics; copious use of percentiles and quintiles, inappropriate with nonnormal…

Critiques John Gray and associates' article "A Multi-level Analysis of School Improvement" in the same "School Effectiveness and School Improvement" issue. Instead of distinguishing between stable and unstable components of school-effectiveness indices and between different effects, the authors identify schools' variances…

Research is not simply about collecting data. Textual research that explores issues about the nature of human existence and knowledge is an appropriate way to answer the "why" questions. (SK)

Two ways of studying lives in context through time are analysis of longitudinal data and secondary data analysis of long-term studies intended to answer questions not originally posed. The opportunities for, and limitations of, these types of analysis; their relevance to policy; and their applicability to interdisciplinary research are considered.…