This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Why has the choice of measurements of the effectiveness of the Head Start program been critical in ... (Read 22 times)

BrownTown3

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 564
Why has the choice of measurements of the effectiveness of the Head Start program been critical in assessing the program?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What problems regarding culture and diversity beset research in the social and behavioral sciences? Why do these problems occur? Why are the problems less troublesome in the physical and natural sciences?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

bookworm410

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 341
Answer to Question 1

Some of obvious, easy to collect measurements like performance in school or IQ test scores do not show consistent or permanent changes among the participants in Head Start programs. These variables lead to a conclusion that the program does not meet its intended goals. On the other hand, longer-term measurements like high school graduation rates, dependence on public assistance, and participation in criminal activity reveal that Head Start participants fare better than those who did not participate. Depending on your choice of your variables, you could wind up with conclusions that are contradictory. The variables of interest need to be chosen carefully so they help you answer your research question.

Answer to Question 2

a. Because much social and behavioral research involves student populations and because students as a whole constitute a relatively homogeneous population, the diversity among research participants is typically very limited.
b. It takes extra time, effort, money, etc. to recruit participants who are not students or who form a diverse group; researchers often do not have the resources for studying participants who are not readily available.
c. Some researchers believe that we need to study at least three different cultures in order to be able to find out what behaviors reliably emerge and in what circumstances. With every additional component of research, it becomes more difficult to conduct.
d. Researchers may not be adequately trained to study behaviors in cultures other than their own, so their interpretations of data and of the behaviors themselves may be biased toward their own cultural perspective.
e. Because social scientists study behaviors, which are affected by culture and society, we have to account for differences across those we study. Scientists in the physical sciences do not have such problems, so they can use the same methodologies without any problems. Researchers in the natural sciences sometimes need to consider diversity if they study behaviors or characteristics across species of plants or animals.





 

Did you know?

All adverse reactions are commonly charted in red ink in the patient's record and usually are noted on the front of the chart. Failure to follow correct documentation procedures may result in malpractice lawsuits.

Did you know?

Adolescents often feel clumsy during puberty because during this time of development, their hands and feet grow faster than their arms and legs do. The body is therefore out of proportion. One out of five adolescents actually experiences growing pains during this period.

Did you know?

The eye muscles are the most active muscles in the whole body. The external muscles that move the eyes are the strongest muscles in the human body for the job they have to do. They are 100 times more powerful than they need to be.

Did you know?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis syndrome are life-threatening reactions that can result in death. Complications include permanent blindness, dry-eye syndrome, lung damage, photophobia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, permanent loss of nail beds, scarring of mucous membranes, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Many patients' pores scar shut, causing them to retain heat.

Did you know?

Children of people with alcoholism are more inclined to drink alcohol or use hard drugs. In fact, they are 400 times more likely to use hard drugs than those who do not have a family history of alcohol addiction.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library