Techniques emerging from the considerable research on cognitive aspects of survey methodology include various forms probing and interviewing. These techniques are used to examine whether respondents' interpretations self-report items consistent with researchers' assumptions intended meanings given constructs designed measure. However, although informal procedures common, such developments have not been systematically applied in educational research. We describe how information derived...

Abstract: Many students in the United States, particularly those from lower income or racially/ethnically diverse families, are exposed to clusters of risk factors that have a negative impact on school success. This study examined association between number supportive and caring adults home, school, neighborhood engagement early adolescence. Results revealed who reported such their lives also higher levels psychological behavioral with schooling. Additionally, including measures...

Youth's social relationships at school and home have been shown to predict a wide variety of outcomes, such as behavior academic performance. Specifically, with teachers, parents, peers all affect student The current study utilized data collected from 848 Latino middle students examine direct indirect linkages students' friends outcomes. Structural equation models revealed that teacher support was associated both satisfaction indirectly time spent on homework grades. Parental support, friend...

Abstract: Three developmental contexts—school, neighborhood, and family—influence school outcomes. The focus of the current investigation was on promotive role 4 family factors—family satisfaction, support, integration, home academic culture—on 3 These outcomes included student self‐reported sense coherence, avoidance problem behavior, performance. Utilizing a hierarchical linear modeling strategy national probability sample, protective factors interest displayed significant but differential...

Cross-cultural examinations of the validity and reliability Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck, Steer, Ball, & Ranieri, 1996) is essential for its use in assessment monitoring effectiveness suicide interventions across racial groups. We tested fit a second-order, two-factor model internal BDI-II sample 133 African Americans with recent history attempts. Additionally, we examined convergent Hamilton Rating Scale (Reynolds Koback, 1995). The results indicate that reliable valid measure...

In the context of importance valid self-report measures to research and evidence-based practice in social work, an argument-based approach validity is presented concept developmental introduced. Cognitive development theories are applied process children, cognitive pretesting reviewed as a methodology advance instruments for children. An application Elementary School Success Profile. Two phases were completed gather data about how children read, interpret, answer items. procedures identified...

Research and theory suggest that students learn more effectively when they perceive course content as relevant to their futures. The current research assessed the impact of CareerStart, a middle grades instructional strategy designed advance occupational relevance what are being taught in core subjects—math, science, language arts, social studies. CareerStart was introduced randomly 7 14 schools diverse district with 3,295 followed for 3 years. analyses examined on end-of-grade test scores...

Abstract Insufficient attention has been devoted to an examination of the factors that predict level satisfaction community residents have with neighborhoods in which they live. In this paper, we describe a program research examine predictors neighborhood satisfaction. Data on and individuals Flint, Michigan were obtained from 2000 Census citywide survey residents. Multilevel models used effect individual neighborhood-level characteristics. Findings suggested many predicted residents' their...

There is demand among policy-makers for the use of state education longitudinal data systems, yet laws and policies regulating disclosure limit access to such data, security concerns risks remain high. Well-developed synthetic datasets that statistically mimic relations variables in from which they were derived, but contain no records represent actual persons, present a viable solution these laws, policies, concerns, risks. We case study development system highlight potential applications...

Cognitive pretesting (CP) is an interview methodology for the validity of items during development self-report instruments. This article reports on and evaluation a systematic method to rate item performance utilizing CP text data. Five raters were trained in application that system, resulting acceptable substantial levels interrater agreement. Results from this study suggest excellent reliability can be achieved analysis Guidelines systematically rating qualitative data collected using...

Abstract Research investigating neighborhood effects on children and families has been largely deficit individual‐focused, investigated structural variables, typically produced equivocal findings small effect sizes. We suggest an approach focused community strengths resources that stresses the role of measures social interaction variables utilization analytic strategies model spatial nested nature contextual effects. To end, we offer a resilience includes both community‐level risk protective...

For a mother-in-law (MIL) and daughter-in-law (DIL), the benefits of maintaining close relationship weave through other central family relationships. Those triangles start with one's son, who is other's husband, echo raising any grandchildren from marriage. The current study examined factors that related to MIL reports having her DIL. Using survey data gathered 267 MILs authors report on regression model included six predicted closeness. Within relationship, reporting DIL was helpful had...

Widespread approaches to the conceptualization and measurement of social capital have been subjected critical examination in recent years; some argue that its meaning impact diluted. Many authors subsequently clarified concept as fungible resources: norms, rules, obligations formed from youths' networks provide benefits youth further positive development. Using latent profile analysis on data gathered middle school students, offer a approach more closely reflects this by effectively...

This study used a nationally representative sample of middle and high school students to examine the degree which economic, neighborhood, school, family factors contributed three points on proposed outcome continuum: (1)avoidance problem behavior, (2)sense coherence, (3)grades. Multilevel models were employed account for clustering inside schools. Results suggested that though neighborhood social contribute variance in outcomes, economic revealed largest potential explain therefore present...

Student engagement is a critical aspect of the learning process and known predictor school success. We report on an evaluation classroom intervention, CareerStart, designed to promote through use career-relevant instruction whereby teachers examples tie lesson material knowledge skills students can see as relevant potential future careers. Evidence from randomized control trial indicates that among math teachers, CareerStart increases instruction. discuss research policy implications these...

The authors explored how sibling relationships were affected by the death of one or both parents in context dynamics those prior to death. Qualitative data obtained from 66 interviews a mixed-methods study adults middle older age with at least living analyzed for purpose finding common patterns that emerged after were: Even closer; Just us now; New roles, responsibilities, and relationships; Unsettled estate; Never close; From bad worse; Back together, temporarily; No change. Implications...

The results orientation and time efficiency of brief intervention approaches are gaining popularity in schools given limited staff resources to address the needs an increasing number vulnerable students. This article describes School Success Profile (SSP), a survey instrument collecting data from students about their schools, neighborhoods, families, peers, physical psychological well-being. Summary profiles reports generated for working with other stakeholder groups planning implementing or...