Describes an experiment utilizing the Solvay synthesis of sodium hydrogen carbonate to teach students to organize and plan a synthesis procedure. (SL)

Discusses basic weaknesses and limitations of models, simulations, gaming, and other analytical and behavioral approaches to simplifying reality for understanding. The development and use of scenarios and the model builder's basic conceptions of the aspects of reality being analyzed are described for a one-person, computer-interactive, quasi-rigid…

Presents a parent's perspective that educational research projects in the public schools are potentially dangerous to children because of the risks of invasion of privacy, overtesting, labeling, and disruption of routine. (AV)

Four projects aimed at evaluating the technical quality of recent summative evaluations are discussed, and models of metaevaluation are presented. Common technical problems are identified and practical methods for solving these problems are outlined, but these methods are limited by the current state of the art. (Author/CTM)

The author discusses the need for research on integrating handicapped students into regular vocational programs at the postsecondary level and offers suggestions for educational researchers on selecting and developing specific research issues and programs. (MF)

Methodological issues and research results pertaining to the assessment of rehabilitation counselor performance are discussed. The lack of knowledge regarding the structure of the rehabilitation process and relationships between counseling behaviors and client outcome leads to the conclusion that counselor-assessment data should only be used for…

Self-help groups provide help and support for members in dealing with their problems and improving their psychological function and effectiveness. This paper focuses on the multitude of technical issues surrounding the evaluation of the effectiveness or outcome of self-help groups, especially what, when, and whom to measure. (Author/JEL)

Discusses an emerging body of psychological literature by black behavioral scientists assumed to represent a radical departure in its conceptual orientation from the social pathology tradition advanced primarily by white behavioral scientists; and focuses on the construct of Self-Extension Orientation, a dynamic process which is assumed to…

Authors of the Wilms study on the effectiveness of public and proprietary vocational training respond to critical analysis of their report and call for new research studies to build on their research and corroborate or refute their findings. (Editor/JT)

Major changes in the methods and contents of research are needed. Promising trends in the design and conduct of studies include: (a) macroscopic rather than microscopic levels of study; (b) field rather than laboratory studies; (c) focusing on the total individual; (d) developing a contractual relationship between researcher and subject. (Author)

Reviews the history, content, and trends in geography teaching and research in Ireland from the 19th century to the present. All educational levels and geographical societies are described. In the past, Irish geographic education had significant influences abroad; however, its recent development has been affected by external factors. (Author/AV)

Describes research attempts to justify, identify, measure, and validate indicators of any country's health status and how its health system operates. For journal availability, see SO 506 019. (AV)

Discusses the need for additional research pertaining to cognitive preferences in science. (SL)

This paper describes the observations and experiences of a graduate student employed as a nurse's aide in a home for the aged. The difficulties encountered in attempting to apply traditional psychological methodology are discussed, and detailed anecdotal reports on individual cases are presented. (GO)

Argues that the Wrights' conclusions must be viewed with a skeptical eye because: (1) they do not understand the significance of the gap between the thesis they claim to replicate and the data they bring to bear; (2) they ignore some significant analyses; and (3) their methods of analysis, and even their sample, are much less comparable to those…