Reviews the trends in sociology since the 1930s. Identifies the still unresolved problems in the field including (1) redundancy resulting from difficulty in retrieving results of prior relevant research and lack of communication; (2) undue focus on trivial issues; (3) decline in microsociology; and (4) lack of a unifying theoretical paradigm. (NL)

Sensitive topics raise issues of ethics, politics, and legal aspects of research. There is concern for participants' rights and groups who may be affected by research. Notes that some argue research funding tends to serve the interests of the powerful by excluding support for research on issues detrimental to their interests. (NL)

This article reviews reasons why research has shown so little application to practice. Among the reasons cited are: confusing definitions and terminology, failure to address questions which are important to practitioners, prevalence of inconclusive results, and failure to appreciate the political and social implications of research. (JDH)

Discusses a subdiscipline of history, Quantitative Social Scientific History (QUASSH), which encompasses economic, political, and social histories. Suggests that devotees of this subdiscipline neglect mainstream historical skills and the work of other historians to the detriment of their own work. (Author/KC)

Provides an introduction to the theme of this issue, the limits of educational research methodology. Advocates a combination of research methodologies and identifies three approaches to educational research. Includes sections on the nature of research and common research problems. (JDH)

This article identifies some of the unique characteristics of qualitative research, enumerates its areas of weakness, and offers solutions for overcoming these weaknesses. Concludes that the criticisms leveled at qualitative research and analysis can be applied to all research paradigms, and that qualitative research does work when it is done…

Reviews persistent criticisms of quantitative research methodologies such as the lack of isomorphism between measures and "reality," its failure to produce "truths" useful to educational practice, the faulty use of statistics, and the poorly understood notion of causality. (JDH)

this essay attempts to integrate certain inferences from people processing research with certain other inferences from what might loosely be termed micro-theory through the use of the rather unusual medium of panel survey research data." The topic is the appropriate way in which to conceive of the relationships between organizations and their…

Maintains that empirical curriculum development (evaluating a curriculum as one develops it) can be a useful tool for drug abuse prevention efforts. Presents a model of a systemic process of empirical development that considers variables such as manipulation checks, interest, belief changes and perceived helplessness. Discusses research…

States that educational researchers have very little knowledge that they know for certain. Provides an overview of the relationship between research and philosophy, addressing three questions: (1) What is real in education? (2) What can be known about educational reality? (3) What is the relationship between educational research and what we know…

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,…

Considers how the changed ecological conditions confronting human societies challenge sociology. Concludes that sociology stands in need of a fundamental alteration in its disciplinary paradigm. Suggests a 'New Ecological Paradigm' which may better serve the field of sociology in light of the current recognition of ecological realities. (Author/DB)

Maintains that the need for gathering sensitive information frequently arises in planning and implementing organizational surveys. Describes methods of designing the instrument format and the mode of data collection. Provides a description and process summary of the Randomized Response Technique (RRT). (CFR)

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…

Traces the shift of paradigms in the political science profession from the 1960s to 1980, examines the classical paradigm, compares it with modern paradigms, and reviews contemporary efforts to articulate a new paradigm which takes the ecological crisis into account. (Author/DB)