Several validity typologies are overviewed then integrated. The integrated framework is used to contrast the positions of Campbell and Cronback. The current practice and logic of quasi-experimentation is critiqued, and expansions beyond the primary focus of dominant validity typologies are suggested. (BS)

The prominent cognitive theories of probability judgment were primarily developed to explain cognitive biases rather than to account for the cognitive processes in probability judgment. In this article the authors compare 3 major theories of the processes and representations in probability judgment: the representativeness heuristic, implemented as…

Objective: A national online survey assessed the views of 973 faculty members in master of social work programs regarding their receptivity toward, definition of, and views of disparate sources of evidence pertinent to evidence-based practice (EBP) and the teaching of EBP. Method: Due to Internet-related technical difficulties, the response rate…

The role of human judgment in the development and synthesis of evidence has not been adequately developed or acknowledged within quasi-experimental analysis. Corrective solutions need to confront the fact that causal analysis within complex environments will require a more active assessment that entails reasoning and statistical modeling.…

Revision-of-opinion literature has generally found subjective probability judgments to be conservative (underconfident), whereas calibration literature has generally found judgment to be overconfident. Reanalysis of three previous studies shows how such data can coexist and reveals the effects of methodology on judgment interpretations. (SLD)

This paper proposes a new instrument designed to distinguish among three ways in which young adolescents respond to familiar passages from the New Testament, defined as literal acceptance, symbolic acceptance and rejection modes. The reliability and validity of this instrument, styled the Loman Index of Biblical Interpretation, was established on…

Discusses a study undertaken to determine the ecological effects of off-road vehicles, such as four-wheel drive trucks and dirt bikes in the Big Cottonwood Canyon area near Salt Lake City. Applications of the study to other investigations of off-road vehicles are discussed. (DB)

Offers reflections on a new type of qualitative research: consensual qualitative research (CQR). Argues that consensus processes and judgments are inherent in the understanding of any form of research practice. Discusses normative understanding of research practice, locates CQR in existing research traditions, and judges the value of CQR practice.…

Techniques developed in a federal agency to forge links between evaluators and decision makers using evaluation information are described. Focus is on engaging the decision maker in the identification of candidate programs, selection among candidates, program evaluation, reporting of evaluation results, and assessment of evaluation impact. (SLD)

The Internet is a significant information resource for students due to the ease of access it allows to a vast amount of information. As the quality of the information on the Internet varies, it is important that students are able to evaluate such information critically. The aim of the study was to investigate how students evaluate Internet sources…

People can use a variety of different strategies to perform tasks and these strategies all have two characteristics in common. First, they can be evaluated in comparison with either an absolute or a relative standard. Second, they can be used at varying levels of consistency. In the present article, the authors develop a general theory of task…

Evaluation research is conceived as a question answering process. Four strategies are suggested which emerged from four approaches to the study of questions. Evaluation questions must be identified and classified before research can effectively begin. This paper discusses the four approaches to studying evaluation research questions and their…

The purpose of this article is to promote an increased awareness of the processes for setting cut-scores for complex performance assessments by (a) describing the Analytic Judgment Method (AJM) for setting cut-scores, and (b) critically evaluating the technical adequacy and practicability of the AJM by focusing on one investigation where the AJM…

Several examples illustrate the human tendency to underestimate the degree of uncertainty present in any theory about the nature of the world. The fallibility of conclusions must always be recognized by the researcher, who must continually challenge assumptions and rethink beliefs. (SLD)

This second of a two-part article on leadership development offers some practical advice on the applications of leadership concepts to the principalship. Provides examples of common leadership myths and selection of an appropriate leadership style. (CJH)