Distinguishing Method Differences By Use Of Discriminant Functions

As part of an experimental study in home economics (i), made to determine the rela tive effectiveness at the secondary level of two methods of instruction, two groups of students were taught a unit in meal planning and preparation by the same instructor. One method, referred to as the control method, was wholly directed by the teacher, who also determined the objectives, planned the proce dures to be followed, and evaluated the pupils' achievement. In the experimental method, the teacher and pupils together de termined the goals they wished to reach, de cided how best to work toward these goals, and together checked accomplishment as the unit progressed. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups on five variables, namely, IQ, pre-test score, socio-economic level, as determined by the father's occupation, grade level, and age. The final evaluation for each student was