Three topics within the domain of regression-based analyses of multilevel data from quasi-experiments and field studies in educational research and evaluation are presented. The paper begins with a discussion of the general question of choice of unit of analysis, or what may be the more appropriate question of choice of analytical model. It then…

Alternative designs for educational research are explored to improve the external validity of educational research and broaden its scope to include not only the systematic experiments that identify psychological mechanisms but also representative designs that match the complexity of learning behavior in school. (JH)

Statistical procedures of the regression discontinuity and regression projection designs were compared to determine which design was more able to detect treatment effect in remedial or gifted programs. Neither test was more precise in all situations. Tables list the more precise test usder specific conditions. The regression projection model…

Causal models often omit variables that should be included, use variables that are measured fallibly, and ignore time lags. Such practices can lead to severely biased estimates of effects. The discussion explains these biases and shows how to take them into account. (Author)

A simple quasi-experimental design is described which may have utility in a variety of applied and laboratory research settings where ordinarily the one-group pretest-posttest pre-experimental design might otherwise be the procedure of choice. The design approaches the internal validity of true experimental designs while optimizing external…

The general class of continuous growth models are described and examples representative of growth models suggested for various types of academic and/or physical growth are given. The fan spread hypothesis is discussed in relationship to natural growth models, as well as differential linear growth. (PN)

Argues that the routine use of experimental or quasi experimental designs in educational research often constrains the value of its conclusions. Also critizes educational research for its atheoretical nature and its paucity of conceptual frameworks. (GC)

LISREL V computer program is applied to a weak quasi-experimental design involving the Head Start program, as a multiple analysis attempt to assure that differences between nonequivalent control groups do not confound interpretation of a posteriori differences. (PN)

A nonequivalent control group design was used to assess effects of a law-related education (LRE) program on elementary school children's attitudes toward the law. Results indicated that knowledge gained about the law did not necessarily correlate positively with more favorable attitudes toward the law. (Author/DB)

A two-step procedure is developed for the analysis of pretest-posttest data. Nonlinear canonical correlation analysis is followed by covariance analysis of optimally scaled pretest and posttest measures. The procedure is available in the computer program CANALS. Advantages of the two-step procedure are discussed. (SLD)

Effectiveness of a new 72-hour delivery system (USXPRESS) for pharmaceuticals purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from VA depots was evaluated by comparing 33 test sites with 11 matched sites using a pretest posttest quasiexperimental design. The USXPRESS system reduced inventory, decreased space needs, and satisfied service…

Two studies investigated the effectiveness of a course in career planning for psychology majors. Study 1 used a quasi-experimental design. Students who completed a corequisite research methods course in the year before the department added the careers course to the curriculum served as a comparison group. Analyses showed that students in the…

This article evaluates an experimental public housing self-sufficiency program that encourages home ownership among low-income families. A quasi-experimental design, in combination with focus groups, records review, and key informant interviews, provides data to focus on four questions: (a) Do these programs simply accelerate move-outs for those…

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that performance assessment increases educational value in teaching-learning activities using a quasi-experimental research design. In this research, the three measurement criteria of educational value are suggested as "improvement & advancement," "sincerity & enthusiasm," and "individuality &…