Measurement of Learning Among Juvenile Probation Officers in a Graduate Research Course

• NCJ Number: 98093
• Journal: PAPPC Journal Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1985) Pages: 50-59
• Author(s): T Austin; R Fennell
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This descriptive paper uses data collected in the Research Methods course at Shippensburg University (Pennsylvania) to determine if any change in knowledge level occurred among juvenile probation officers who took the course.

Abstract

Data for the study were collected at two different times in the spring of 1984. A 100-item pretest along with an 8-item demographic fact sheet was administered on April 7th. On may 16th, the same test was readministered to the same 24 individuals after they had completed a 5-day, 42 hour Research Methods course. The mean score on the pretest was 43.6; the median was 44. The mean score on the posttest was 61.1; the median was 63.5. Results of a one fail T-test undertaken to determine whether the change in mean scores could be attributed to chance revealed that it was quite unlikely. Results indicate that (1) participation in the course increases knowledge level of research methods and (2) the longer the absence from the classroom, the less dramatic the effects of the course. Three endnotes and 2 references are included.