As the educational research community has struggled with research issues over the last few decades, we have turned almost exclusively to epistemologically oriented methodology for answers. Implicit in this methodological discourse are three questionable presuppositions about the relationship between methods and methodology and between researchers…

Discusses methodological problems involving use of MMPI by reviewing past literature. MMPI is so easily used that it is sometimes misapplied or data obtained from it are incorrectly analyzed by researchers unfamiliar with its limitations or peculiarities. Suggestions for improving research design are made. (Author/BEF)

Describes common methodological inadequacies in research on treatment of obesity and suggests alternatives. Importance of multiple measurement of outcome is emphasized. Merits of alternative single-subject and between-groups experimental designs are discussed. Reasons for conspicuous lack of long-term follow-ups are analyzed. Recommendations for…

Examined methodological issues confronting psychologists who conduct research with correctional populations. Sections included intrusion of values; problems with trait-derived methodologies in correctional population research, including inadequate construct validity, ignoring environmental influences and ignoring subjects; naturalness and problems…

Knowledge, rooted in experience, requires forms for its representation. Forms of representation limit what we seek. As a result, socialization in method is a process that shapes what we can know and value. At base it is a political undertaking. Examines the effects of the politics of method on educational research. (Author/BJV)

Presents a speculative model for predicting differential rates of therapeutic change. From a review of 52 comparative psychotherapy studies, certain hypothesized relationships between the characteristics constituting the model and a variety of psychological treatment procedures were assessed. Use of the model for generating and guiding research is…

Interest in quantifying nonverbal variables in human interaction has led to the development and application of several nonverbal observation systems. The authors present a selective overview of these approaches, briefly explaining the major assumptions in terms of their differences and similarities. Drawing largely from their own experiences in…

Discusses three weaknesses in reporting research findings by commenting and criticizing research articles published in the eighth volume of Journal of Research in Science Teaching. (CC)

The possible influence of cognitive dissonance in psychotherapy was examined by conceptualizing therapy as an effort justification process. It was predicted that freely choosing to undergo a highly effortful procedure would aid in positive therapeutic change. Subjects (N=52) participated in a weight-reduction experiment in which the degree of…

DATA GATHERED FROM FORMER STUDENTS WERE FOUND TO HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM PLANNING. AREAS OF FOCUS CAN PROFITABLY INCLUDE STUDIES OF DROPOUT CHARACTERISTICS AND THE ACADEMIC AND SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENT POPULATIONS, EFFECTIVENESS OF VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL PROGRAMS, TRANSFER STUDENT SUCCESS, VALUE OF GENERAL EDUCATION…

Over the years, many different labels have been used to describe nontraditional students. This study examined whether terminology used in surveys could affect respondents' answers. Two forms of a questionnaire were designed and distributed randomly to college students. One form consistently employed the terms gay, lesbian, and bisexual while the…

Techniques of sociological research--defined as the assembly, organization and interpretation of facts that help explain human activity--are described in this guide to community research strategies. In Part I of the booklet some basic aspects of research are examined, illustrating procedures of stating and examining a research problem. The scope…