Explores the use of sociological life histories to study social problems such as drug addiction. The factors influencing the fluctuating popularity of this research technique within the social sciences are examined. The impact of the researcher's direct exposure to the interviewee's problems on research results is discussed. (AM)

Perceives utopia as the quest for the promised land. Proposes such quests derive from Moses delivering his people from captivity to a new place on earth. Cites true fictional accounts enjoining the need to strive for perfection and search for a site to build a perfect society (Editor/DMM)

Analyses of Polish workers' diaries, oral histories and other primary sources illustrate problems of obtaining objective information. The author proposes a new system for reaching valid historical conclusions when using these kinds of materials. (AM)

The author traces his career from his days as an anthropology student through his work on a wide variety of government and institutional social science research projects. He comments on the politics involved in such research. (SJL)

A facetious private detective story embroidered with literary interpretation, autobiography, logical positivism, David Hume on personal identity, and "The Happy Hooker." (RL)

Explored young adults' autobiographical memories of their first consumption of cigarettes using a form of life history. Analysis of 276 college students' first-person essays indicated that the first-use experience was a symbolically significant and enduring life event. Participants provided rich, detailed recollections about the contextual nature…

Notes that educators must think about the possibilities for using autobiographical narrative ethically and effectively in academic writing and research, and they need to ask how the personal affects writing that is less personal. Considers how regardless of the stance toward the personal, no one can be an informed writer or reader without…

Offers a "definition" of Zitkala Sa as an Indian teacher who, at the turn of the 20th century, challenged and countered educational norms that silenced Indian voices and erased Indian culture. Examines her autobiographical essays, "Impressions of an Indian Childhood,""The School Days of an Indian Girl," and "An…

Offers a feminist poststructural interpretation of the autobiographical film "The Body Beautiful" as an attempt to expand the focus on forms addressed by autobiographical theory attending to subjectivity, difference, and a politics of representation. Theorizes a politics of difference and its implications for an understanding of autobiography.…

Describes Guided Autobiography, process developed to assist family life educators in helping families adapt to new demands and changing circumstances by serving as facilitators of the life review process. Explains how Guided Autobiography incorporates use of sensitizing questions, pretested themes, and group process to encourage life review in…

Phenomenological and feminist themes in reconceptualist curriculum theory are used to address the political and social status of teachers and their intellectual preparation for teaching. Arguments are offered for autobiographical studies in education, collaborative modes of learning and teaching, and interdisciplinary approaches to liberal arts…

Explores the representation of AIDS in culture through narrative structure by focusing on the critically acclaimed autobiography "Borrowed Time: An AIDS Memoir" by Paul Monette. Examines how poesies and healing represent illness and reflects upon the negotiation between identity and dominant cultural images associated with AIDS. (PA)

This study compared neurotic and depressive personality characteristics in autobiographies of creative achievers (n=30) versus eminent but noncreative achievers (n=18). California Q-Set ratings assessed the five personality factors of neuroticism, extroversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Creative achievers were…

Profiles the life of biologist and writer Rachel Carson with a focus on her career. Describes events leading to the publication of "Silent Spring." (LZ)

Examines the nature of humor and jokes. Considers the benefits of humor in public moments. Analyzes aspects of humor that may determine its efficacy. (HB)