Reports results of a study that was designed to empirically verify a system dynamics model that represents the relationship between dialog and structure as they relate to transactional distance and distance education. Topics discussed include discourse analysis; other variables relating to transactional distance; developing a prototype; and future…

It is argued that research settings should be chosen with the whole experimental design in mind and that the availability of appropriate controls (groups or occasions for observation) should be as important as the suitability of the treatment group. (Author/AM)

This article outlines a theory for understanding the impact of a crisis on individuals and organizations. Crisis in context theory (CCT) is grounded in an ecological model and based on literature in the field of crisis intervention and on personal experiences of the authors. A graphic representation denotes key components and premises of CCT,…

Review of rural social work literature of the 1970's indicates research has primarly followed the naturalistic model defined by Taylor, rather than the positivist approach favored by Fischer. Discussed are: surveys and case studies; ethnographies; participatory/action research; historical research; positivistic research; hypothesis testing…

Compares the perceptions of Malaysians and Australians for four Web site design characteristics--atmospherics, news stories, signs, and products and services--as part of the integrated Internet marketing model. Hypothesizes that the predominant culture is not generalized to another culture, discusses validity and reliability, and suggest further…

Presents 17 research paradigms students might employ for doctoral dissertations on instructional design, makes suggestions for students evaluating the literature and developing a conceptual framework for research, and summarizes dissertations developed by University of Florida doctoral students, classifying them into three research paradigms which…

The state of the art in observational studies is discussed, with emphasis on explanatory research--studies of program effectiveness in which an attempt is made to explain the reasons for the results as well as describing the results. In addition to the collection of data and presentation of statistical facts, the explanatory study involves the…

Describes a study conducted at the Dutch Open University to determine students' actual use of embedded support devices (ESD). Topics addressed include a theoretical background; research hypotheses; the use of student interviews; quantitative and qualitative aspects of ESD use; student characteristics; study success (i.e., final examination…

Describes a study of electronic support of face-to-face group meetings that was conducted with undergraduate and graduate students. Strategies used by groups to distribute control, determinants of which members took control, and the consequences of control strategies were examined. (Contains 38 references.) (LRW)

In response to the complexities of technological, social, political, and institutional change, the Property Research Workshop focused on the theoretical, rather than the empirical aspects of property-related research. Specifically, emphasis was on analytical and institutional approaches to research. Ten institutionally-related propositions were…