This paper outlines some of the interview approaches and observational techniques that social scientists use in field study. Discussed are scheduled interviews, open-ended interviews, the delphi technique, participant observation, process observation, and lurking. (Author/AV)

Addresses the question of how researchers find out what happens in schools and why. The compatibility of environmental education and teacher thinking is examined. The issue of teaching methods relating to voice, language, and relationships as they are relevant to the debate of environmental education methods is also raised. (AIM)

The potential of qualitative approaches to provide an informed critique of quantitative data, or a much richer understanding of motivation and attitudes toward information, was tested in 1994 in two Malawian rural communities. Results confirmed and questioned earlier quantitative studies; argues that the project is a model for practical,…

An Ohio University program that introduces botany students to field work sent a team to study Hawaiian species of violets and algae, endangered by invasive, imported plants. The situation of the native species relates to larger scientific and ecological issues because algae is the basis of the aquatic food chain, and violets adapt in unique ways…

The Hancock field station (Oregon), owned by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, offers programs for children (age 6-13) which stress development of scientific observation and investigation skills, through field work in such areas as fossil hunting with professional paleontologists as well as other outdoor activities. (DB)

Proposes pragmatic agenda for future developmental supervision research and a "moratorium" on new or improved developmental supervision models, self-reports, and on research limited to academic settings. Encourages researchers to explore pragmatic questions about actual conduct of effective counseling supervision. (Author/CM)

Examines the issue of community involvement in reformulating educational systems. Historical perspectives on community involvement in schools are reviewed; the roles of community members in educational settings and in educational systems design settings are discussed; and experiences from fieldwork observing community participation are related.…

Very realistic spoof of research and scholarly writing. Reports on quantitative and qualitative research into "self-nurturant" (self-indulgent) behaviors and related personality patterns such as the pollyanna, the sulky hedonist, and the guilt-ridden masochistic indulgent. (SV)

Discusses experimental work with computer-simulated microworlds as a means for overcoming the tension between laboratory research and field research in psychology. Topics addressed include characteristics of microworlds; examples of microworlds; and three approaches to research with microworlds, including the individual differences approach, case…

Studied the attraction responses of child athletes to coaches who differed in their behavior patterns during the season. Children with low self-esteem responded positively to coaches with high self-esteem and negatively to coaches with low self-esteem on the instructiveness and supportiveness dimensions. Moderate- and high-self-esteem children…

Cross-cultural evaluation of a community-based rehabilitation project in Indonesia used three methods: focus groups, questionnaires, and key informant interviews. A continuous cyclical approach to data collection and concern for cultural sensitivity increased the rigor of the research. (SK)

A 25-year association with the Kwakiutl led to an invitation in 1987 to a Kwakiutl memorial potlatch in British Columbia (Canada). Jean Lave's concept of peripheral participation is used as a framework for examining how humans find their "way in" to such cultural events. (Author/MMU)

Describes the structure of one anthropology field program and discusses some of the things students learn. The program, an ethnographic field school in Barbados, is offered during the academic year as a term abroad for undergraduates. (SLD)

Evaluated the impact of a civil remedy program, Beat Health (Oakland, California), on drug and disorder problems under experimental field trial conditions. Findings show some improvement in the experimental residential areas, but possible displacement of drug problems in and around the commercial experimental and control sites. (SLD)

Describes a field trip to collect planarians as successful in generating interest in the sciences. This activity is suitable for all grade levels as a field trip or biology lab. Planarians can be easily collected from streams across the United States. Once in the classroom, planaria are easily fed and cared for. (SAH)