Three issues must be addressed when discussing the standards needed to judge the methodological rigor of naturalistic approaches to administrative research. The first issue involves defining naturalistic inquiry. In contrast to the scientific paradigm, naturalistic inquiry emphasizes, first, the inseparability of variables or events from their…

Questions and issues surrounding ethnographic research in educational settings are discussed from the viewpoint of the research manager responsible for directing large-scale research projects. The parts of an ethnographic study include: (1) conceptualizing the research project and determining if ethnographic methods are called for; (2) recruiting…

The proliferation of additional responsibilities in health, welfare, and recreation suggests the justification of the conceptualization of the elementary school as a total institution. This research was undertaken to investigate the application of Goffman's concept of total institution to the public elementary school. An exploratory field study…

This training program was designed to serve as the first part of a two-stage concentrated course leading to the doctorate in educational research, and to train personnel for intermediate responsibility in national, state, and local educational research. Twenty young teachers, selected for dynamic personality, high intellectual caliber, and…

Project Africa, a social studies curriculum research and development project, is primarily engaged in testing new materials and techniques for teaching about Africa south of the Sahara in American secondary schools. The purpose of this technical report is to highlight the program's strengths and weaknesses from a variety of viewpoints -- those of…

Three studies designed to enable city elementary school children to investigate, discover, and relate to their environment are outlined. Specific objectives, lists of materials, and preparation needed for each study are given. The first study orients the child and school in the community. The second study locates existing parks and play areas.…

Ethnography as an inquiry process guided by a point of view rather than as a reporting process guided by a standard technique or set of techniques is the main point of this essay which suggests the application of Malinowski's theories and methods to an ethnology of the school, indicates reasons why traditional ethnography is inadequate to the…

This paper discusses accountability in education and describes the formulation and field testing of a new conceptual model relevant to the education of emotionally and socially maladjusted children. The model design was based on specific consideration of: a) levels of training to be provided, b) types of facilities available for field experiences,…

This book is intended to give teacher education students and practicing teachers an introduction to research methods and does so by following the procedures and results of a recent study. Chapter 1 discusses the research problem and the procedures for setting up a research design. Chapter 2 discusses the major stages of field work. Chapter 3…

This manual, one of a series prepared for the guidance of research workers conducting studies as part of the International Biological Programme, contains recommended methods for the analysis of fresh water. The techniques are grouped in the following major sections: Sample Taking and Storage; Conductivity, pH, Oxidation-Reduction Potential,…

The investigation and evaluation of American Indian education carried on by a special senatorial subcommittee on Indian education over a 2-year period created concern over the "organization question." The subcommittee came to believe that no matter how strong, how good, or how well funded were the programs for educating American Indians,…

This publication is part of a curriculum series developed by the Regional Marine Science Project for use by teachers and administrators. Field work and field trips, being advocated as an integral part of the curriculum, are explained at length. The rationale and techniques of field ecology are offered relating them to the need for field trips and…

Focusing upon a working knowledge of ecological principles as a requisite for today's society, this teacher's guide suggests numerous field studies which make pertinent use of these principles. It is designed to serve as an aid in planning student-centered activities which allow for understanding and improving the ecosystem in which they are an…

A sample of 54 subjects, representing four levels of management in a chain of retail stores, participated in an experimental study of the effects of channel of communication (face-to-face, telephone, and written) and anonymity on satisfaction with, and distortion of, upward communication. Results indicated that the channel used led to significant…

To facilitate cross-cultural inquiry, there is a strong desire for precise definitions of movement based upon strictly specified criteria. Although unresolved, much of the concern expressed could be met if definitions are acknowledged to reflect the nature of the research problem, and to vary with the level of inquiry. (Author)