Discusses the differences among researchers in learning style definitions, instruments used to identify learning style, and the applications of their research. (Author/MLF)

Concludes that attempts to maintain objectivity by measuring surface features of text end up describing effects rather than causes of coherence in text. (FL)

Curriculum theory and its function are defined, and its present state is discussed. A model which can be used to bring order to the field of curriculum theory is presented. (CJ)

A review of four studies conducted by Ausubel raises serious doubts about the efficacy of advance organizers under a variety of circumstances. In addition, this review questions the adequacy of definitions for two central notions of subsumption theory (discriminability and advance organizer). (IAH)

A brief history of research in sport psychology based on Lander's (1982) analysis is presented. A systematic approach to theory building is offered. Previous methodological inadequacies are identified using examples of observational learning and anxiety. (Author/DF)

The research related to laboratory work in science instruction is reviewed in this position paper. The history of the laboratory is outlined from its roots in the nineteenth century, and the goals of the laboratory are enumerated from a review of the literature. Research findings are critically analyzed regarding the effectiveness of laboratory…

Discusses difficulties of examining Jean Piaget's work, caused in part by his own revisions and earlier, inadequate interpretation in English translation. Examines common misunderstandings of Piagetian developmental stages and similar misinterpretations of his ideas on education. Focuses on importance of other disciplines, including psychology and…

Examines some of the intentions that guided research into story structure, considers some of the validity problems inherent in the research, and outlines some flaws in instructional practices resulting from misinterpretations of it. Concludes with some suggestions for using story structures as a teaching tool. (FL)

This paper reviews three essays in "Philosophy and Education: Eightieth Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education." The volume, as a whole, failed to consider economic, social, political, and related educational issues realistically and practically. (PP)

Research on instruction in the architecture studio is discussed drawing from current work in the psychology of teaching. Consideration is given to what instruction entails and the mental activities that occur when one is instructing. Difficulties in studying instruction are also addressed, and examples of research on instruction are based on…

Provided is an examination of the methodology used to study the problems of learning addition and subtraction skills used by developmental researchers. The report has sections on categories of theory and their methodologies, which review: (1) Behaviorist, Neo-Behaviorist and Piagetian Theories; (2) the Behaviorist and Piagetian Paradigms; (3)…

This paper (1) examines some of the problems confronting persons doing research on adult educators; (2) presents a conceptual framework for clarifying researchable relationships among several selected major variables; and (3) suggests directions and approaches that appear promisinq to the authors. The first of three parts contains a brief…

This paper explores the concept of educational psychology as a "linking science" between (1) theory and research in psychology and learning and (2) the educational arena of the schools. A linking science is defined as a special structure that intervenes between scientific theory and practical application. The author's first major point is that a…

This article considers relatively neglected resources for the "bootstrapping" of cognitive growth, including chance plus selection, the affective boosting of relevant schemas, the operation of innate biases, and use of spare mental capacity. Implications for educational research are illustrated with reference to recent work on the…

Although the relationship between reading and writing proficiency has interested scholars for two centuries, the exact nature of this relationship has resisted discovery. The persistance of statistically significant correlations across a broad range of subjects, measures, and experimental settings leaves no doubt that a moderate link between…