The difficulties of operationalizing race in research and practice for social, behavioral, and genetic researchers and practitioners are neither new nor related to recent genetic knowledge. For geneticists, the bases for understanding groups are clines, observed traits that gradually change in frequency between geographic regions without distinct…

This report summarizes changes that have occurred in understanding of the health implications of the use and abuse of illegal and legal drugs as a result of research since 1986. It is noted that wherever possible, research findings have been summarized in non-technical language. Some technical material is included because of its basic importance…

Without support, financial, organizational and otherwise, the U.S. national IEA writing study would never have been conducted; however, implementation of the study was difficult. Planning for the study and its support commenced in 1980, coterminous with two important occurrences: the National Institute of Education pulled back on its interest in…

Examines five dilemmas in postsecondary organizational theory and research, in the areas of theory development, research methods, organizational behavior context, relating theory to practice, and identifying professional colleagues. Calls for the establishment of a "peer group" to consider these issues and to ensure the continued,…

Looks at outcome research from a practitioner's point of view and warns that a serious problem may be caused by research that assumes the technique being studied is experienced by the clients. Suggests a research model that emphasizes the client's experience of the effect of the technique. (Author/JAC)

Focuses on small groups in work organizations, sources of stress, and available social support systems in five articles. Includes a methodological paper on measuring social support in work groups. Analyzes the complexity of coping strategies, and the relationship of occupational and life stressors to each other and the family. (KMF)

ANOVA designs are used for description and/or explanation of developmental phenomena. These consist of taking any two of age, cohort, or time of measurement as independent variables. Employment of ANOVA has led researchers down blind alleys. Regression techniques are more useful. (Author)

Introduces the topic of feminist psychology. Reviews relevant literature regarding bias against women in past research, and discusses each article in the issue. Identifies the common issue of all articles as epistemology: what we can know, how we know, and how the knowledge we have relates to who we are. (JS)

Describes two research projects linking family processes with elementary school children's competence in school to provide examples of methodological issues related to investigations that cross systems of family and school. Issues discussed include gaining cooperation from school, recruitment and consent procedures, data collection and measurement…

Explores limits of quantitative research methods and introduces qualitative approach, focus groups, as alternative information-collection tool for student personnel administrators. Presents two research projects where focus groups were used. Maintains that focus group approach has several advantages, including cost effectiveness, emphasis on…

Evaluators often utilize analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) techniques to compensate statistically for the lack of experimental control when assessing the effects of innovative programs implemented in naturalistic settings. In this paper design, analysis, and reporting considerations important to the application of ANCOVA-type techniques in…

In preparation for a National Research Council study updating Gunnar Myrdal's 1944 study, "An American Dilemma," the article discusses the following: (1) history and thrust of the original work; (2) effect of the type of questions to be raised; (3) effect of approach on results; (4) necessity for new view of the gap between the races.…

Explores the dilemmas of conducting research in a setting where one is employed. Uses concept of reciprocity to describe how trusting relationships with participants were built during a study of an off-campus doctoral program for school administrators. Presents strategies that emphasize affiliation with students. (Author/KH)

An information feedback model and an ideology of evaluation are posed and contrasted with experiences in evaluation research. Impact on policy is the criterion for success of an evaluation and political constraints block this impact. Some ways social researchers might conceptualize and construct an appropriate base of power are considered.…

Explores the possibility that the lesbian or gay experience in contemporary American society might furnish a standpoint for generating new knowledge in psychology. Considers the following elements that define lesbians' or gay men's ways of knowing and experiencing the world: (1) biculturalism; (2) marginality; and (3) normative creativity. (JS)