Background: Our ability to look at structure and function of a living brain has increased exponentially since the early 1970s. Many studies of developmental disorders now routinely include a brain imaging or electrophysiological component. Amid current enthusiasm for applications of neuroscience to educational interventions, we need to pause to…

This paper briefly describes the history of the Golden Fleece Award given monthly by Senator William Proxmire for "the biggest waste of taxpayers' money" in the form of grants for research. It particularly focuses on the case brought by Dr. R. R. Hutchinson who was the recipient of the Golden Fleece Award for his research on the…

Sketches some events in the life and career of Lowry Nelson, a rural sociologist, and relates these events to the development of rural sociology and the Rural Sociological Society. Asserts that the dream of using science to ameliorate social problems during the early development of rural sociology is still present today. (KS)

The highlights of articles evaluating the results of media research over the past 25 years are briefly reviewed, and the constructionists' and the reductionists' approaches to media research are described. It is pointed out that for the researcher in media, the implications of a constructionist approach are quite clear, at least from a…

In the history of the scientific approach to educational issues in Sweden, educational research has been viewed as a scientific activity either because it is based in scientific institutions, because it uses scientific procedures, or because it is seen as a process of mapping reality. Initially, the creation of a specific discipline of education…

Three areas are addressed in this paper: the family-in-crisis motif; the family as educator; and parent education. (1) The family in crisis: The family-in-crisis motif pervades both professional and popular commentary on the contemporary American family. There are powerful continuities in our perception of the American family crisis in every…

The historic origins of measurement are traced, and the basic requirements for fundamental measurement are outlined. Studying the history of social science measurement shows specific pitfalls the researcher must avoid. Applications of item response theory to social science measurement are discussed. (SLD)

Uses a case study to illustrate problems associated with historical reasoning. The problems highlighted are confusion over the difference between reason and cause, enthusiasm of the antiquarian, misguided search for "essence," misconceptions as to when to quantify, propagandistic tendencies, equating sensationalism with importance,…

Presents observations of a researcher on state of educational research. States that some issues and questions have not changed in 50 years. Cites the arguments over the difference between basic and applied research, and the hereditary basis of intelligence. Concludes with remarks about inappropriate data analysis, the use of technology, and the…

The author reviews published material pertaining to the history of black athletes in American sport, focusing on the most influential books and articles, including popular literature. The aim is to assess the quality and character of the research and to make recommendations for further studies. (Author/MT)

Defines and explains organizational and conceptual problems encountered by practitioners of academic history today. An argument is presented for more systematic and self-conscious links between academic history and other academic disciplines that use historical data extensively. (Author/DB)

This paper presents a historical overview of the use of action research in education and describes the basic assumptions and expectations that continue to characterize collaborative research projects today. Action research was initiated in the 1930's by Kurt Lewin and adapted by educators in the 1940's. Interest in action research declined between…

The purpose of this report on research in secondary education is to study: (1) the personnel of educational research bureaus; (2) the undertakings of research departments in city school systems and in individual secondary schools; (3) the research undertakings carried on by individual secondary-school staff members not officially connected with…

This reviewer finds that Lewis M. Terman's five-volume "Genetic Studies of Genius," published between 1925 and 1959, makes exaggerated claims for IQ scores as measures of natural ability. (Editor/SJL)

Highlights steps for carrying out a needs assessment survey research effort in the Black community. Stresses the need for understanding (1) cultural-linguistic and historical factors, (2) the potential or inadvertent role of the researcher, and (3) the obstacles and resistance one may encounter in carrying out the survey and implementing its…