Discussed is the 1986 NAEP data on understanding and using basic science facts. Suggests using observing, measuring, and hypothesis testing as supplements to traditional instructional methods. The use of this technique is urged for Black, Hispanic, and female students to compensate for the lack of outside experiences noted in the NAEP findings.…

Discussion of research on computer-aided instruction (CAI) focuses on a set of questions and hypotheses that form the basis for research on the effectiveness of CAI. Four factors are highlighted: (1) the medium (including interactive videodisc); (2) the environment; (3) student characteristics; and (4) topic of instruction. (38 references) (LRW)

Studied the effect of content knowledge on learners' participation in interactions between nonnative speakers. Measures of participation included amount of talk, conversational fillers, back channels, topic moves, clarification questions, and confirmation and comprehension checks. Findings support the relationship between knowledge and…

Describes a study of students in grades three to six that examined how children's emotions about the Gulf War were related to their interest in the war news coverage. Topics addressed include theoretical approaches to selective viewing and the relationship between affective responses and casualty news versus neutral/background news. (Contains 30…

Examines hypotheses concerning the appeal of three types of feedback in the second-language writing process: teacher-, peer-, and self-directed feedback. Results show that students overwhelmingly prefer teacher feedback to peer feedback. (Author/CK)

Discussion of computer anxiety focuses on a study of undergraduates in an introductory psychology course that assessed the effects of relaxation and coping skills training on their anxiety and performance as they learned to use a spreadsheet program. The influence of the computer's user friendliness was examined, and treatments for the…

Presents a prototypical case illustrating what positivist research means and argues that even critics of positivist research are logically committed to propositions that can be tested only through positivist research paradigms. The relationship between the nature of a community's research enterprise and its educational provisions must be causal.…

Educational researchers are not engaged in discovering mechanistic universal truths sought by positivists or tidy prescriptions about what works. Instead, they provide guidelines and interpretive material to liberate the teacher's intelligence so that the teacher can use whatever ability he or she can achieve. (SLD)

Describes results of a research study that used work sampling techniques to compare time spent by 9 high school library media specialists using automated circulation systems with 9 high school media specialists using nonautomated circulation systems in 14 task categories. Two responses to the research study are included. (26 references) (LRW)

Discusses the results of a survey of librarians who hold a subject master's degree in addition to the Master's of Library Science (MLS) which was conducted to determine the perceived value of such degrees to their work, salary, and career advancement. Hypotheses tested are explained, and further research is suggested. (nine references) (LRW)

Addresses prospect of approaching clinical inquiry as a scientific activity and considering counseling practice as a context for scientific training of counseling psychologists. Discusses problems in attempting to find common ground between clinical teaching and research training. Proposes that scientific training needs to include development of…

Summarizes research comparing boundaries around larger and smaller groups. Finds that the perception of group boundary permatbility varies with group size. Reports a greater perceived distinction between the group and the individual passerby as group size increases. Describes the effects of varying group member proximity. Discusses implications…

Describes a study that tested the applicability of the Tennyson-Cocchiarella concept teaching model for undergraduate nursing education, and investigated the effects of three different learner control strategies on concept learning. The computer-based concept lesson used is described, and effects on recall and retention are discussed. (33…

Discussion of menu design strategies for computer-assisted instruction (CAI) focuses on a study that investigated whether menu design would affect undergraduate learners' usage patterns during a CAI lesson. Sequential versus random selection of options is discussed, and new measures for describing usage patterns in CAI are explained. (eight…

Discusses the development of American Indian tribal colleges and presents a model for assessing the role of libraries in meeting the institutional goals and objectives of tribal colleges. Hypotheses are discussed that will help establish a framework for conducting a longitudinal study of the role libraries play in meeting tribal college…