Lists three criteria that can codetermine whether a new methodological technique is embraced by developmental researchers. Criteria include theoretical and methodological zeitgeist, conceptual and functional accessibility, and perspective enhancement. Using these criteria, evaluates the potential impact of structural equation modeling. (Author/RH)

Describes a visual device, borrowed from matrix algebra, which helps students integrate theory, methods, and statistics in sociological research. Data are organized in a rectangular structure, with the columns of variable names representing theory, the rows representing observations whose quality is related to methodological concerns and the need…

Provides a review of lessons learned in dealing with unique problems encountered while providing group counseling for adult patients with metastatic cancer. Discusses problems, institutional policies, personal biases, and logistics associated with forming, establishing, maintaining, conducting and assessing the outcomes of group counseling with…

Meta-research study examined ongoing research projects of personal autonomy initiative of Retirement Research Foundation. Developed guidelines emphasizing appropriate setting and context of review for research in long term care, clinical assessment of decisional capacity, and institutional arrangements to minimize conflict of interest. (Author)

Argues against J. Vasudev's claim that sex differences disappear in studies that control for socioeconomic status. Contends that women and men are not socioeconomic equals. Recommends that theories based on all-male research samples be questioned and that differences in women's moral orientation be accounted for in studies. (SKC)

This article considers the validity of the widely-held notion that exercising for physical fitness also reduces stress. The ways in which researchers define "stress" and "fitness" are described. Several researchers comment on the subject and various research projects are discussed. (JL)

Presents a table of cases requiring causal modeling or an equivalent technique. Reviews nine years of published research in communication journals to assess the adequacy of analysis in these situations. Offers standards for the conduct and reporting of causal modeling along with a review of their use in published causal modeling. (NKA)

Health effects of migration were studies among Chinese Americans living inside and outside of Chinatowns. For most causes of death both populations showed a common level of mortality. In spite of the data limitations in this study, the findings were compatible with transition experiences noted for Japanese migrants. (VM)

Distills the essence of Freud's thinking about incest, placing it within the context of childhood sexuality. Discusses clinical and research implications concerning the relationship between sexual trauma and emotional disturbances. Raises questions requiring further investigation. (NH)

Reviews a study that examined the validity of different rating scales for measuring instrumental achievement with the clarinet. Rejects the contention that the new rating scales are superior to the Clarinet Performance Rating Scale. (BSR)

Examines 2,000 Strange Situation classifications obtained in eight different countries. Differences and similarities between distributions in classifications of samples are investigated using correspondence analysis. Substantial intracultural differences are established; data also suggest a pattern of cross-cultural differences. (Author/RWB)

Demonstrates that some commonly used indices can be misleading in their quantification of reliability. The effects are most pronounced on gain or difference scores. Proposals are made to avoid sources of invalidity by using a procedure to assess reliability in terms of upper and lower limits for the true scores of each examinee. (Author/JDH)

The methodological soundness of adult education research was examined through a power analysis of the statistical tests used in volumes 21-32 of Adult Education. Results indicate that the power of statistical tests appearing in the adult education research literature is low when researchers are interested in finding small and medium effects.…

Describes how an educational anthropologist's study objectives developed during fieldwork conducted in a fundamentalist Christian school and community. Asserts that this narrative reflects the strong relation of problem finding to problem solving in the practice of naturalistic inquiry. (KH)

In educational research, rigid distinctions between the relative merits of quantitative research often rest on positivistic dogma. In contrast, post-positivistic thought eliminates the intractable problem engendered by positivistic epistemology of a forced choice between value-laden and value-free research methods. (KH)