Partial and part correlations are discussed as a means of statistical control. Partial and part correlation coefficients measure relationships between two variables while controlling for the influences of one or more other variables. They are statistical methods for determining whether a true correlation exists between a dependent and an…

A review of the literature on multiple comparison procedures suggests several alternative approaches for comparing means when population variances differ. These include: (1) the approach of P. A. Games and J. F. Howell (1976); (2) C. W. Dunnett's C confidence interval (1980); and (3) Dunnett's T3 solution (1980). These procedures control the…

As an alternative to traditional methodology in education research, an approach transcending the distinction between quantitative and qualitative perspectives is suggested. Emerging insights in qualitative research can be enhanced by beginning with the phenomenon of emerging order. The theory of Dissipative Structures suggests that research…

Work performed during the 1978-1980 SAGE contract to develop improved national estimates from survey data is reported. Three areas of effort are covered in this paper: (1) the use of longitudinal merges combined with relational edits to detect reporting or encoding errors; (2) the use of longitudinal merges together with special follow-up surveys…

Issues and topics related to educational challenges in toxicology at all levels are discussed. They include public awareness and understanding, general approach to toxicology, quality structure-activity relationships, epidemiological studies, quantification of risk, and the types of toxicants studied. (JN)

The last 100 years have witnessed a fervent debate in the United States about quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. Unfortunately, this has led to a great divide between quantitative and qualitative researchers, who often view themselves in competition with each other. Clearly, this polarization has promoted purists, i.e., researchers…

This paper presents the methodology for performing and interpreting second-order factor analysis. Procedures for extracting and rotating solutions are presented. Critical issues of interpretation, such as interpreting second-order factors are discussed. Two methods for accomplishing this are explained, including multiplying the first- and…

This paper summarizes information leading to the recommendation that statistical significance testing be replaced, or at least accompanied by, the reporting of effect sizes and confidence intervals. It discusses the use of confidence intervals, noting that the recent report of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Statistical…

This paper gives a brief overview of the focus group method, its history, and usefulness for educational researchers and outlines the essential steps to a successful focus group. An example of the use of focus groups is given. The focus group originated in the 1920s in the social sciences, developed further in market research, and is undergoing a…

Two major developments in the therapeutic massage and bodywork profession have recently brought to the forefront the issue of research competencies. The profession has been called to a potentially heightened level of credibility. One challenge to the profession's development is that of coordinating the various curricular, instructional,…

Over the last few years, there has been evolution, although not a linear one, that has progressed from an emphasis on statistical significance to an emphasis on effect size to an emphasis on both of these concepts to what is believed to be a pragmatic emphasis on replicability. This paper presented two methods of estimating a study's replicability…

Many researchers fail to understand that reliability is a function of scores, not tests. This paper provides an explanation of the distinction as well as a description of the reliability generalization meta-analysis technique. Reliability generalization meta-analysis can provide a way to aggregate test score reliability coefficients from prior…

Many primary studies have been performed to reveal the effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on students' attitudes towards science courses. In determining the effectiveness of these studies, gathering and evaluating of the studies at some characteristics play an important role. The aim of this study is to determine meta-analytically the…

There has been an ongoing debate concerning the usefulness of a statistical technique called profile analysis. Profile analysis is a data analysis process that identifies patterns in a battery of test scores. The use of profile analysis is generally supported by clinicians in the field who are using profile analysis to help determine group…

This paper suggests that multivariate analysis techniques are very important in educational research, and that one multivariate technique--canonical correlation analysis--may be particularly useful. The logic of canonical analysis is explained. It is suggested that a backward variable elimination strategy can make the method even more powerful, by…