Examines the conceptual framework of bipolar models of social knowledge use that are transactions between knowledge producers and decision makers. Topics discussed include methodological consequences of bipolar models; levels of validity in social research; social contexts of choosing models for social research; and views on the practice of…

Describes a study that evaluated implementation of curriculum materials for secondary social studies in the Netherlands. The evaluation focused on individual teachers' actual use of these materials in their classrooms. A large discrepancy emerged between the curriculum developers' original intentions and the observed instructional processes.…

A review of studies that used the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress with families rearing children with developmental disabilities identified three primary difficulties: (1) definitional problems: (2) multiple measures of the same construct that do not converge: and (3) failure to replicate. Solution strategies include separating demands,…

The possibility that the decision to use a prepaid monetary incentive to increase physician responses to a survey was studied with an initial sample of 328 physicians. Results suggest that the incentive was not nearly as effective in a follow-up, and delaying its use diminishes beneficial results. (SLD)

Problems of definition in estimation in evaluation research were studied through a survey of homeless persons in Cook County (Illinois) based on 481 interviews. Differences arising from the following four population definitions are presented: (1) traditional homeless; (2) marginally housed; (3) social isolates; and (4) total of these categories.…

Reviewed 65 reports, dated 1986 through 1990, focusing on college student alcohol consumption patterns. Review shows that shortcomings in research design, analysis, and presentation of results make it difficult to draw conclusions regarding the present nature and problem of college student drinking. (Author/NB)

Despite close links extension/research links in land-grant universities, barriers exist (inadequate collaboration, narrow research base, funding constraints, promotion/tenure pressures, bureaucracy). Solutions lie in joint planning/cooperation, leadership, facilitation, and revision of the appointment and reward system. (SK)

A case study of a state university illustrates the overt and covert limitations of study and discussion of gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues on campus. Although the university is committed to the advancement of human understanding, gay, lesbian, and bisexual faculty and students feel their civil rights are threatened, and research pertaining to…

A review of the literature on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in health sciences education suggests that problems in research methodology make the research results less than helpful. Improved methodology, better knowledge of computer and software capabilities, attention to instructional settings, and attention to costs would improve CAI…

Evidence is presented that the analogy between oral and written language development is misleading and that literacy has few of the characteristics of naturally acquired behaviors. It is contended that researchers should concentrate on the differences between oral and written language development. (SLD)

Presents reasons therapist should be included as random design factor in nested analysis of (co)variance (AN[C]OVA) design used in psychotherapy research. Reviews studies which indicate majority of investigators ignore issue of effects from incorrect specification of ANOVA design. Presents reanalysis of data from 10 psychotherapy outcome studies…

Notes that smaller than expected main effects in psychotherapy research are often attributed to mismatches between clients and treatment. Examines issues in aptitude-treatment interaction (ATI) research in psychotherapy, including Type II and Type III errors, manipulation checks from both patient and practitioner perspectives, considerations of…

The validity of true experiments is threatened by a class of self-report biases that affect all respondents at pretest, but which are diminished by treatment. Four of these inaccurate self-evaluation biases are discussed. Means of detection include external criteria, special conditions of measurement, and retrospective pretests. (TJH)

Discusses problems in carrying out time-series research in organizational settings that include issues of site selection; choices about data collection and degrees of involvement; the importance of clarifying research outputs, audience, and presentation; handling problems of complexity and simplicity; ethical issues; and managing a community or…

Creative projects, whether in the arts, literature, or social aspects of education, demand a mixture of the "subconscious" (imaginative) and "intellectual" (rational), not the rejection of one in favor of the other. Rationality and imagination are complementary in speculative research. An advocacy approach may be appropriate in certain cases. (20…