This essay begins by discussing the current cynicism regarding the usefulness of research-based strategies in the field of education. Using examples of high-quality research that utilizes diverse methodologies, a framework is presented for thinking about various types of research and their implications. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Reviews ways educational research has most commonly involved the Internet. Discusses issues that complicate educational research conducted in computer-enhanced instructional environments, focusing on privacy, ownership, and permissions. Offers a case study at an online writing center, and provides guidelines for technical communication researchers…

This article discusses challenges in using participatory action research (PAR) in the evaluation of programs that provide services and supports to people with severe disabilities. Challenges include the need for modification of the model, time constraints, issues around power and position, and inclusion of individuals with severe disabilities.…

A look at the quality of some of the research on school computer use shows many shortcomings. Lists 19 questions to ask and answer before judging the effect of computers. (MLF)

Reviews recent trends in grade organization and factors to consider in examining changes at the district level. Cites the lack of empirical evidence supporting any one form of grade organization as a reason for the range of patterns found in American school districts. Offers guidelines for accomplishing grade organization change. (Author/WD)

The author defines the aims of cross-cultural research in art education and examines the problems inherent in such research, using as an illustration a summary chart of Child's cross-cultural studies of esthetic sensitivity. Emphasis is placed on the need for rigor in research design and execution. (SJL)

Notes that the availability of statistical software packages has led to a sharp increase in use of complex research designs and complex statistical analyses in communication research. Reports a series of Monte Carlo simulations which demonstrate that this complexity may come at a heavier cost than many communication researchers realize. Warns…

Responds to an article written regarding the maturity of educational research. Contends that, to achieve a democratic research process, the local needs and conditions of the public (including teachers, students, parents, and the community) must be the driving force in deciding what to research. (ZWH)

The goals of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis are described, and procedural guidelines for each approach are summarized, emphasizing the use of factor analysis in developing and refining clinical measures. Recent examples of the use of factor analysis are reviewed and used to highlight controversies that can emerge. (SLD)

There exists an abundance of research on topics relevant to the decisions organizations must take in allocating and developing their resources. This paper addresses the problem of integrating those research results. Data needed for the meta-analysis approach to research integration are sometimes not available in the published literature.…

Meta-analysis has become an important supplement to traditional methods of research reviewing, although many problems must be addressed by the reviewer who carries out a meta-analysis. These problems include identifying and obtaining appropriate studies, extracting estimates of effect size from the studies, coding or classifying studies, analyzing…

Reports on a program held at the 1986 American Library Association Conference which offered a model for locating and evaluating existing research on libraries. Six guidelines for evaluating research are provided, and small group sessions which evaluated actual research and talked directly with researchers are described. (EM)

Develops generalizations for empirical evaluation of software based upon suitability of several research designs--pretest posttest control group, single-group pretest posttest, nonequivalent control group, time series, and regression discontinuity--to type of software being evaluated, and on circumstances under which evaluation is conducted. (MBR)

Presents five research designs--sequential analysis, value added analysis, nonequivalent dependent variables, regression discontinuity, cohort design--for studying computer-based teaching methods when a randomized two-group design is impractical; provides examples of studies employing these designs and decision flowchart; and discusses selection…

Threshold analysis (TA) is introduced as an evaluation model. TA converts unknown variables into questions as to whether a given benefit, cost, or success probability is more or less than a threshold, above which the proposed project would be profitable, and below which it would be unprofitable. (Author/PN)