This paper identifies major theories prevalent in recent feminist scholarship, discusses biases inherent in these theories, and offers an original theoretical explanation for women's social and economic status. The major objective is to contribute to the body of feminist thought by exposing the biased conceptual tools used by many researchers to…

Methodological incarceration occurs when research and investigation are restricted by the traditional concepts of how a study should be designed and are hampered by those notions which dictate what research is. This paper examines several reasons why social science research in general--reading research in particular--is considered by some to be…

Evaluators need new strategies that will support their commitment to science and at the same time preserve the objectivity of the evaluation. The article discusses three strategies, dealing with: philosophical foundations, the subjectivity of the "objects" of the studies, and the subjectivity of the observer. (Author/GDC)

Clarifies certain self-related constructs as they are used in theoretical and empirical research relating to affective education. Specifically examines "self,""self-awareness,""self-acceptance,""self-perception,""self-concept,""self-insight,""self-understanding," and "self-actualization" with respect to their utility as educational objectives and…

Explores the legal implications of confidentiality in social science research. Instances are described in which researchers were suboenaed by judicial authorities to disclose confidential information. Existing statutory protection of research data is described. For journal availability, see SO 506 040. (AV)

Suggests that where institutions such as universities agree with gatekeepers that proposed sensitive and critical research would be inappropriate researchers must create autonomous positions from which to conduct their research. (Author/AM)

This paper focuses on the discrepancy the authors personally experienced between the stated principles of social research and experience with several applied social research projects over the last 10 years. Three cases of applied social research are presented and critiqued, and two types of structural problems were found. (Author/LMO)

Provides a critical overview of articles in this issue on field work in administration and policy. Focuses on three recurrent themes: field worker role; reciprocity (the repayment a fieldworker makes to his or her informants); and ethics. (KH)

Critiques research on participation in terms of problems of measurement, definition, and the use of value-laden contructs. Compares qualitative and quantitative methods, further developing the qualitative approach and the influence of hermeneutics and phenomenology. (Author/SK)

Naturalist and interpretive accounts of educational research lack an adequate philosophical account of its nature. Educational research is both interpretive and scientific. Only by repudiating divisions and distinctions that separate the research community from the educational community can research which is both educational and scientific by…

Two methods for dividing an interrupted time-series study between baseline and experimental phases when study resources are limited are compared. In fixed designs, the baseline duration is predetermined. In flexible designs the baseline duration is contingent on remaining resources and the match of results to prior expectations of the evaluator.…

Problems with funding, politics, and policy formation for research in the social sciences raise the question of what results are expected from such research. Action based on research results usually does not follow closely the completion of research projects, and policy is often out of step with research. (MSE)

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…

Discusses major methodological advances of the past 20 years within social anthropology. The advances fall into three broad areas: comparative studies and large-scale multicultural and holocultural investigations; cognitive anthropology, encompassing formal analysis and decision processes; and studies of intracultural diversity. (Author/KC)

Reviews various traditions and perspectives in modern social science research and indicates why these traditions are so 'unecological'. Suggests that a new worldview is necessary in social science research and in the larger society. Details of this worldview (paradigm) are presented and relevant literature is reviewed. (DB)