Relative Effectiveness Of Different Methods Research Articles

Assessing the Impact of Diverse Approaches of Promoting Virtual Radiation Oncology Educational Content to Medical Students

Assessing the Impact of Diverse Approaches of Promoting Virtual Radiation Oncology Educational Content to Medical Students

Comparison of effectiveness of oral hygiene instruction methods in improving plaque scores among 8-9-year children: a randomized controlled trial.

The relative effectiveness of different methods used for delivery of information regarding oral health in children has not been widely raised in the literature. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of verbal oral hygiene instruction (OHI) against the verbal instruction supplemented by three different methods (written, teeth teaching model, and videotape) on the mean plaque scores and to determine factors that may influence the effectiveness of methods used. Prospective-comparative randomized controlled trial carried out on 120 children aged 8-9years. Participants were randomly divided into four groups (verbal, verbal and written, verbal and teeth teaching model, and verbal and video). Plaque Control Index was evaluated at baseline and 4weeks after OHI. ANOVA and post hoc, t test, and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis. A statistically significant decrease of the mean percentage of plaque scores was found indicating the effectiveness of different methods of delivery of OHI (p < 0.01, 0.001). Verbal supported by teaching model was the most statistically effective method (p < 0.001) followed by the verbal (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the improvement in plaque score (p < 0.001) between the four methods of OHI after controlling for age, gender, monthly income, mother's and father's educational levels and plaque index before delivery of OHI. Regardless of the method used, a gradient of effectiveness was observed in improving plaque scores. Verbal instruction supplemented by teaching model was the most effective. Effectiveness was influenced by monthly income, mother's and father's educational levels and plaque index before OHI.

Interventions using social networking sites to promote contraception in women of reproductive age.

Social networking sites (SNSs) have great potential as a platform for public health interventions to address the unmet need for contraception. To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions using SNSs to promote the uptake of and adherence to contraception in reproductive-age women. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and six other databases on January 2018. We also searched Google Scholar, key conference proceedings, checked the reference lists of included studies, and contacted study authors to identify additional studies. We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised interventional studies (NRS) in women of reproductive age. SNSs requiring a social profile within a bounded or restricted-access system of shared connections were included. We also included trials that utilised SNSs only or as an adjunct to an intervention. Studies had to have a follow-up outcome assessment of at least three months. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts and full-text studies, and extracted data from included studies. A third author was assigned to arbitrate areas of disagreement. Authors assessed risk of bias according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We were unable to conduct a meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of the study designs and outcome measures. Of the 461 unique records found, only two studies met our inclusion criteria. Both studies were conducted in the USA and were at high risk of bias. One RCT included 2284 women exposed to a web-based SNS or nothing. The groups were no different post intervention in their self-reported consistency of contraceptive use or knowledge of the relative effectiveness of different methods. There was a small but significant increase in the use of more effective methods (long-acting reversible methods) at 12 months' follow-up.The second study, a cluster RCT with 1578 women, used a closed Facebook page showing sexual health content compared to a modified Facebook news page that avoided sexual health content. They found no differences in the use of condoms at last act of sexual intercourse at six months or the intention to use condoms between the intervention and control groups. Despite the prevalence of SNSs, we found little scientific evidence to support the use of SNSs to improve contraceptive use or adherence among women.

Outcome of revision total knee arthroplasty with the use of trabecular metal cone for reconstruction of severe bone loss at the proximal tibia

The relative effectiveness of different methods for reconstructing large bone loss at the proximal tibia in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome after the use of trabecular metal technology (TMT) cones for the reconstruction of tibial bone loss at the time of rTKA. Thirty-six patients had rTKA with the use of a TMT Cone. Bone loss was classified according to the AORI classification and 25% of the patients suffered from T3 AORI defects and 75% of the patients from T2 AORI defects. Implants used were from the NexGen series. At follow-up, radiographs were evaluated according to the Knee Society Roentgenographic Scoring System. Knee and function score was calculated using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System. Average follow-up time was 47 months (range 3-84 months). Clinical and radiological follow-up data were available in 30 patients and missing in six patients: two died and four patients had re-revision (reinfection (n=2), aseptic loosening (n=1), and knee hyperextension (n=1)). Knee- and function scores (follow-up 43 months (range 12-84 months)) improved from 42 to 77 points (p<0.0005) and 19 to 63 points (p<0.0005) respectively. Twenty-seven patients (follow-up 44 months (range 12-72 months)) showed no signs of radiological loosening of rTKA components. Based on our study, it was concluded that the use of TMT Cones provided an effective treatment in terms of surgical efficacy, clinical results and radiological results and was evidently at least as effective as the other options reviewed in the literature. IV.

Pre‐admission education in surgical rheumatology nursing: towards greater patient empowerment

This study compared the pre-admission education received by two groups of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty. The specific aim was to compare these patients' knowledge about care-related issues and sense of certainty about that knowledge, empowering learning experience, length of admission discussion, length of hospital stay and number of health problems. Previous studies have shown that surgical pre-admission education is beneficial, but there is no evidence on the relative effectiveness of different methods of education. We used a pre-post-test design with two groups of surgical RA patients (Group I pre-admission education via telephone and standard written educational material, n = 29; Group II standard written educational material, n = 30). The data were collected with previously used instruments (OPKQ, MEQ), and demographic and clinical variables were asked. The mean score for knowledge about care-related issues and sense of certainty about that knowledge for Group I and for Group II showed no statistically significant differences at baseline and at admission. At discharge, however, a significant difference was seen between the scores--in favour of Group II. On the other hand, patients in Group I were found to be more empowered in all areas than patients in Group II. Written educational material seems to be a good choice for pre-admission patient education compared with telephone counselling, particularly when patients are knowledgeable about care-related issues before admission. However, education via telephone is experienced by patients as more empowering than written educational material. To increase patient's knowledge written educational material can be recommended for use, but to increase patient's empowerment telephone education is better.

Different methods of external fixation for treating distal radial fractures in adults

Fracture of the distal radius is a common injury. A surgical treatment is external fixation, where metal pins inserted into bone on either side of the fracture are then fixed to an external frame. To evaluate the evidence from randomised controlled trials comparing different methods of external fixation for distal radial fractures in adults. We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (June 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and other databases, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. No language restrictions were applied. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials which compared different methods of external fixation in adults with a distal radial fracture. All review authors independently performed study selection. Two authors independently assessed the included trials and performed data extraction. Nine small trials involving 510 adults with potentially or evidently unstable fractures, were grouped into five comparisons. The interventional, clinical and methodological heterogeneity of trials precluded data pooling. Only one trial had secure allocation concealment. Two trials comparing a bridging (of the wrist) external fixator versus pins and plaster external fixation found no significant differences in function or deformity. One trial found tendencies for more serious complications but less subsequent discomfort and deformity in the fixator group. Three trials compared non-bridging versus bridging fixation. Of the two trials testing uni-planar non-bridging fixation, one found no significant differences in functional or clinical outcomes; the other found non-bridging fixation significantly improved grip strength, wrist flexion and anatomical outcome. The third trial found no significant findings in favour of multi-planar non-bridging fixation of complex intra-articular fractures. One trial using a bridging external fixator found that deploying an extra external fixator pin to fix the 'floating' distal fragment gave superior functional and anatomical results. One trial found no evidence of differences in clinical outcomes for hydroxyapatite coated pins compared with standard uncoated pins. Two trials compared dynamic versus static external fixation. One trial found no significant effects from early dynamism of an external fixator. The poor quality of the other trial undermines its findings of poorer functional and anatomical outcomes for dynamic fixation. There is insufficient robust evidence to determine the relative effects of different methods of external fixation. Adequately powered studies could provide better evidence.

Relative effectiveness of worker safety and health training methods.

We sought to determine the relative effectiveness of different methods of worker safety and health training aimed at improving safety knowledge and performance and reducing negative outcomes (accidents, illnesses, and injuries). Ninety-five quasi-experimental studies (n=20991) were included in the analysis. Three types of intervention methods were distinguished on the basis of learners' participation in the training process: least engaging (lecture, pamphlets, videos), moderately engaging (programmed instruction, feedback interventions), and most engaging (training in behavioral modeling, hands-on training). As training methods became more engaging (i.e., requiring trainees' active participation), workers demonstrated greater knowledge acquisition, and reductions were seen in accidents, illnesses, and injuries. All methods of training produced meaningful behavioral performance improvements. Training involving behavioral modeling, a substantial amount of practice, and dialogue is generally more effective than other methods of safety and health training. The present findings challenge the current emphasis on more passive computer-based and distance training methods within the public health workforce.

Interventions for treating mallet finger injuries.

Mallet finger, also called drop or baseball finger, is where the end of a finger cannot be actively straightened out due to injury of the extensor tendon mechanism. Treatment commonly involves splintage of the finger for six or more weeks. Less frequently, surgical fixation is used to correct the deformity. To examine the evidence for the relative effectiveness of different methods of treating mallet finger injuries. We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register (November 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to February week 2 2004), EMBASE (1988 to 2004 week 8), other databases, reference lists of articles and various conference proceedings. Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials evaluating different interventions, including no intervention, for treating mallet finger injuries. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Four trials were included. These involved a total of 278, mainly adult, participants with 283 mallet finger injuries. All four trials were methodologically flawed, including inadequate outcome assessment. Three trials compared different types of finger splints versus a standard Stack splint. One trial found a lower incidence of treatment failure in participants treated with a perforated custom-made splint. One trial found there were fewer complications in participants treated with a padded aluminium-alloy malleable finger splint; however, the incidence of treatment failure was similar in the two treatment groups. One trial evaluating the Abouna splint found a similar incidence of treatment failure in the two groups. However, the Abouna splint often needed replacing due to disintegration of its rubber cover and rusting of the exposed wires and was also less popular with participants. The fourth trial found no statistically significant differences between participants whose mallet finger was treated with Kirschner wire fixation and those with a Pryor and Howard splint. Similar numbers had complications in the two groups. There was insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within randomised trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different, either custom-made or off-the-shelf, finger splints used for treating mallet finger injury. There was a useful reminder that splints used for prolonged immobilisation should be robust enough for everyday use, and of the central importance of patient adherence to instructions for splint use. There was insufficient evidence to determine when surgery is indicated.

Closed reduction methods for treating distal radial fractures in adults

Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older white women with osteoporosis. Displaced fractures are usually reduced using closed reduction methods, which are non-surgical and generally comprise traction and manipulation, and the resulting position stabilised by external means, typically plaster cast immobilisation. To examine the evidence for the relative effectiveness of different methods of closed reduction for displaced fractures of the distal radius in adults. We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group specialised register (to July 2002), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2002), MEDLINE (1966 to July week 4 2002), EMBASE (1988 to 2002 week 31), CINAHL (1982 to June week 4 2002), the UK National Research Register (Issue 2, 2002) and reference lists of articles. We also handsearched the British Volume of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery supplements (1996 onwards), and abstracts of the American Orthopaedic Trauma Association annual meetings. Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials evaluating different methods of closed reduction. We also included trials in which the use (or not) of anaesthesia could be classed as a co-intervention. All trials judged as fitting the selection criteria by both reviewers were independently assessed by both reviewers for methodological quality. Data were extracted independently by one reviewer and checked by the other. Quantitative data are presented using relative risks or mean differences together with 95 per cent confidence limits. No pooling was possible. Three trials involving a total of 404, mainly female and older, patients with displaced fractures of the distal radius were included. These failed to assess functional outcome, and only one trial reported on complications. One trial found no statistically significant differences between mechanical reduction using finger trap traction and manual reduction in anatomical outcomes. One trial compared a novel method of manual reduction where the non-anaesthetised patient actively provided counter-traction versus traditional manual reduction under intravenous regional anaesthesia. While patients of the novel method group suffered more, yet not intolerable, pain during the reduction procedure, the latter was shorter in duration. No differences in anatomical outcome were detected. The third study compared mechanical reduction involving a special device without anaesthesia versus manual reduction under haematoma block (local anaesthesia). Less pain during the reduction procedure was recorded for the mechanical traction group. Both methods yielded similar radiological results. Fewer patients in the mechanical traction group had signs of neurological impairment, mainly finger numbness, at five weeks but this difference was not statistically significant by one year. There was insufficient evidence from comparisons tested within randomised trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different methods of closed reduction used in the treatment of displaced fractures of the distal radius in adults. Given the many unresolved questions over the management of these fractures, we suggest an integrated programme of research, which includes consideration of reduction methods, is the way forward.

How evidence based are recruitment strategies to randomized controlled trials in primary care? Experience from seven studies.

Failure to recruit adequate numbers of participants represents a major barrier to the completion of randomized controlled trials in primary care and is associated with substantial opportunity costs. However, uncertainty exists regarding the relative effectiveness of different methods to promote recruitment. The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of strategies used to promote patient recruitment to randomized controlled trials in primary care that are evidence based. Investigators from seven primary care-based clinical trials of dyspepsia management aiming to recruit a total of 6070 patients participated. Following a survey of trial organization, a Delphi technique was used to reach consensus on levels of evidence on the effectiveness of interventions or organizational characteristics in influencing recruitment. The main outcome measures were the proportions of interventions or organizational characteristics for influencing patient recruitment that are based upon randomized controlled trials, on convincing non-experimental evidence or meeting neither of these criteria. Out of a total of 56 interventions used across the trials, 35 (63%) were judged as evidence based. Out of a total of 29 organizational characteristics possessed by the trials, five (17%) were judged as evidence based. Across the seven dyspepsia trials, the presence of 'favourable' organizational characteristics appeared to be important contributors towards successful recruitment. A wide range of interventions and organizational characteristics with the potential to promote recruitment were used or possessed by seven primary care trials. Many were not evidence based. Our experience suggests that organizational characteristics could be more influential in trial recruitment than the use of specific interventions. Given the costs of primary care-based trials, researchers need more rigorous evidence to inform recruitment strategies.

Anaesthesia for treating distal radial fracture in adults.

Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older white women with osteoporosis. Anaesthesia is usually provided during manipulation of displaced fractures or during surgical treatment. To examine the evidence for the relative effectiveness of the main methods of anaesthesia (haematoma block, intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA), regional nerve blocks, sedation and general anaesthesia) as well as associated physical techniques and drug adjuncts used during the management of distal radial fractures in adults. We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group specialised register (January 2002), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2001), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2001), EMBASE (1988 to 2001 Week 48), Current Controlled Trials (December 2001) and reference lists of articles. Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials evaluating relevant interventions for these injuries (see Objectives). We excluded pharmacological trials comparing drug dosages and, with one exception, different drugs in the same class. Also excluded were trials reporting only pharmacokinetic and/or physiological outcomes. All trials meeting the selection criteria were independently assessed by the three reviewers for methodological quality. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Quantitative data are presented using relative risks or mean differences together with 95 per cent confidence limits. Only very limited pooling of results from comparable trials was possible. The 18 included studies involved at least 1200, mainly female and older, patients with fractures of the distal radius. All studies had serious methodological limitations, notably in the frequent failure to assess clinically important and longer-term outcomes. Five trials provided evidence that, when compared with haematoma block, IVRA provided better analgesia during fracture manipulation and enabled better and easier reduction of the fracture, with some indication of a reduced risk of later redislocation or need for re-reduction. In contrast, haematoma block was quicker and easier to perform and less resource intensive. There was inadequate evidence of relative effectiveness of different methods of anaesthesia only examined within single trials: nerve block versus haematoma block; intravenous sedation versus haematoma block; general anaesthesia versus haematoma block; general anaesthesia versus sedation; and general anaesthesia versus haematoma block and sedation. None of the three trials evaluating three different physical aspects of anaesthesia (injection site of, or extra tourniquet, for IVRA; and technique for brachial plexus block) provided conclusive evidence for the effectiveness and safety of the novel technique. Six trials examined the use of drug adjuncts. The addition of two different muscle relaxants and one analgesic was tested for IVRA; one sedative and hyaluronidase for haematoma block; and clonidine for brachial plexus block. All trials evaluating adjuncts failed to provide evidence on eventual clinical outcome. A seriously flawed study comparing bupivacaine with prilocaine for IVRA gave some insight on the potential confounding effects of treatment by different doctors on patient outcome. There was insufficient robust evidence from randomised trials to establish the relative effectiveness of different methods of anaesthesia, different associated physical techniques or the use of drug adjuncts in the treatment of distal radial fractures. There is, however, some indication that haematoma block provides poorer analgesia than IVRA, and can compromise reduction. Given the many unresolved questions over the management of these fractures, we suggest an integrated programme of research, which includes consideration of anaesthesia options, is the way forward.

Hull and Rutherford classification of infertility

In 1991, the British Fertility Society commissioned an audit subcommittee to produce an all-encompassing classification system for infertility, which could be used as the basis for national audit. Accurate diagnosis is a basic necessity of good medical practice and determines the selection of appropriate treatment. In addition, assessment of treatment outcome by audit must be related not only to the specific type and severity of the disorder, but also to a number of important compounding variables, such as age of the female partner. Severity is a key factor in the selection of the most appropriate treatment in disorders such as tubal disease and endometriosis; therefore, the classification of these conditions needs to be therapy-oriented, providing a guide to prognosis. The classification system was determined by reference to the best available published data on outcome, in terms of time-specific cumulative pregnancy rates, at the time of preparation, and on information gleaned from surveys of opinion from the members of the British Fertility Society and the British Andrology Society. When used in conjunction with an appropriate computerheld database, codification of data using a classification system provides a powerful tool for clinical audit and research. Such systems allow analysis of the relative effectiveness of different methods of treatment for various patient groups, providing meaningful comparisons among practitioners and hospitals (Jenkins, 1999). A survey published in 2000 of all in vitro fertilization (IVF) centres in the UK indicated overwhelming support for central collection of computerized data by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which could be extended beyond the limited current dataset if a suitable classification system was available (Keay et al., 2000). This article presents an appendix outlining the classification system as it was first proposed in 1995, so that it may act as a foundation for the future development of an updated classification that could be adopted by the profession.

Smoke Enhanced Seed Germination for Mine Rehabilitation in the Southwest of Western Australia

AbstractCool smoke treatments were applied to unmined Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) forest soils, rehabilitated bauxite mine soils, and broadcast seed to determine if enhancement in germination could be effected with a view toward maximizng the establishment of species in bauxite mines in Western Australia.Forest sites showed a 48‐fold increase in total germinants from the soil seed bank when treated with aerosol smoke. Newly returned bauxite mine soils showed a greater than threefold increase in total germinants after the same treatment. There were also significant increases in the number of species germinating in response to the aerosol smoke treatment in both the forest and the mined soils. Similarly, application of smoked water to the soil seed bank in previously mined sites elicited a significant positive germination response, increasing total germinants and species numbers by 56 and 33%, respectively.Treatment of mixed seed lots with aerosol smoke before broadcast resulted in highly significant improvement in germination when compared to untreated seed. Both total number of germinants, and number of species emerging from mined sites were positively influenced (85% and 34% increases, respectively).Ten target species were used to determine the relative effectiveness of different methods of smoke treatment on the germination of broadcast seed. Nine of the species involved displayed a promotive effect with at least two of the treatments. Generally, however, aerosol smoking of seed before broadcast proved to be the more effective approach. As a result of these findings, all broadcast seed for use in Alcoa's bauxite mined areas in the southwest of Western Australia is now routinely smoke treated before application.

Application of Social Cognitive Theory to Training for Computer Skills

While computer training is widely recognized as an essential contributor to the productive use of computers in organizations, very little research has focused on identifying the processes through which training operates, and the relative effectiveness of different methods for such training. This research examined the training process, and compared a behavior modeling training program, based on Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura [Bandura, A. 1977. Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psych. Rev. 84(2) 191–215; Bandura, A. 1978. Reflections on self-efficacy. Adv. Behavioral Res. Therapy 1 237–269; Bandura, A. 1982. Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency. Amer. Psychologist 372 122–147; Bandura, A. 1986. Social Foundations of Thought and Action. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.]), to a more traditional, lecture-based program. According to Social Cognitive Theory, watching others performing a behavior, in this case interacting with a computer system, influences the observers' perceptions of their own ability to perform the behavior, or self-efficacy, and the expected outcomes that they perceive, as well as providing strategies for effective performance. The findings provide only partial support for the research model. Self-efficacy exerted a strong influence on performance in both models. In addition, behavior modeling was found to be more effective than the traditional method for training in Lotus 1-2-3, resulting in higher self-efficacy and higher performance. For WordPerfect, however, modeling did not significantly influence performance. This finding was unexpected, and several possible explanations are explored in the discussion. Of particular surprise were the negative relationships found between outcome expectations and performance. Outcome expectations were expected to positively influence performance, but the results indicated a strong negative effect. Measurement limitations are presented as the most plausible explanation for this result, but further research is necessary to provide conclusive explanations.

Quality of life as an indicator of outcome in the treatment of cancer patients: the purchaser perspectives.

Evaluation of treatment can be seen as part of a wider concern to measure quality of care, as well as about the need to monitor and improve the effectiveness of services. Quality of life issues will be of increasing interest to those involved in the commissioning of health-care services. Cancer is used to illustrate how the quality of life of patients, both during and after treatment, can be measured and the information used by purchasers to consider the relative effectiveness of different methods of treatment. This in turn can inform the overall purchasing strategy of commissioning agencies.

The Training of Microcomputer Users: Insights from Two Disciplines

Little research has been conducted on the relative effectiveness of different methods for training users of microcomputer systems. Research in the disciplines of human-computer interaction and instructional design can provide insights pertaining to the learning and use of computers and, specifically, to the training of microcomputer users. The combined insights of the two disciplines advocate user/learner-centered training, designed to achieve the following objectives: improving the user's understanding of system operation through the use of appropriate metaphors, taking advantage of error situations to teach error recognition and recovery strategies, and encouraging users to be actively engaged in learning by incorporating job-related tasks in training exercises.

PROS AND CONS OF TEMPORARY INDUSTRY ASSISTANCE

The objectives and relative effectiveness of different methods of providing temporary assistance to a particular industry experiencing a significant reduction in returns and liquidity are evaluated. It is doubtful that assistance can be justified for resource efficiency reasons. This is argued to be so when the cause of the downturn in industry returns is due to temporary factors, such as drought, and when it is due to long‐term trend factors, such as economic growth. While an industry slump can cause welfare problems, most households are able to use contingency strategies, e.g. savings, or resort to existing welfare programs, e.g. unemployment benefits. Direct income grants are preferable to output and input subsidies as means of providing welfare assistance.

Teaching Children to Read‐‐II THE RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT METHODS OF TEACHING READING

Teaching Children to Read‐‐II THE RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT METHODS OF TEACHING READING

Teaching Children to Read‐‐I THE RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT METHODS OF TEACHING

(1959). Teaching Children to Read‐‐II THE RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT METHODS OF TEACHING READING. Educational Research: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 61-71.

A Practicable Technique for Determining the Relative Effectiveness of Different Methods of Teaching

The usual procedure in comparing the effectiveness of two methods of teaching is to set up control and experimental groups of as nearly equal ability as possible. In order to secure such groups, more or less involved pairing procedures are often employed. In the usual school situation the pairing process is difficult of accomplishment. Moreover it results in the creation of situations that are far from typical. Rockwell has devised a technique which would seem to be applicable to educational experimentation1. His plan is to employ not one control and one experimental group but several. The strategy of the plan can best be described with a concrete case. For the sake of economy of space the situation utilized in the present study will be used as an illustration. The primary purpose of this article is to describe one at tempt to employ Rockwell's technique in educational research. It was desired to compare the effectiveness of the drill and project methods on one criterion only, that of facts learned. The experiment was carried out in the John Marshall Junior-Senior High School in Minneapolis.2 To have created special groups for the experiment would have disrupted the school organization. It was therefore necessary to utilize the groups as they existed. There were in the school four regu larly organized sections in 7A grade. While the grouping plan followed considered both mental ability as measured by intelligence tests and teachers' judgments concerning pupil abilities, administrative difficulties precluded a complete operation of the scheme. Thus, while the sections vary in median intelligence quotients and median mental ages, there is considerable overlapping from group to group. Table I compares the distributions of mental ages and Table II shows the distributions of in