Used a constructivist teaching/learning approach to improve first year preservice primary teachers' confidence in, and attitude to, teaching science. Benefits reported were ownership of knowledge, development of pedagogic skills, and the use of group work to develop ideas. Concerns raised included uncertainty when exploring knowledge for…

Policy analysis in higher education is distinct from but is informed by and can contribute to both institutional research and institutional planning. Policy analysis extends beyond data analysis, using many qualitative research methods and a degree of intuition, and focuses on specific issues, not systems as does planning. (MSE)

This paper uses qualitative research data and examples from a high school drama class to examine how achieving full learning membership for students with severe disabilities requires teachers, in collaborative and consultative relationships, to provide all students with crucial supports by flexibly working within three inclusion parameters…

Examines the effectiveness of quantitative and qualitative evidence in impacting initial attitude change and the persistence of that change. Finds that both types of evidence are equally effective in changing attitudes but that the attitude change elicited by qualitative evidence tends to be significantly more persistent over time and that recall…

Points out that variability in focus, method, and conceptual level of case studies causes difficulties in validating such studies. Notes method variations raise questions about validity. Claims the validity of case studies lies in their usefulness as projective models. States teachers can generate their own theories where practical educational…

Describes a study of student understanding of science and scientists using illustrations to promote discussion. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative techniques and involved 121 Malaysian students in elementary and high school. Results reveal that stereotypical views of science and scientists are evident. However, students often…

Autobiography is the imaginative construction of one's life story and the creative expression of lifelong transformative learning. Its use in studying adult transformation raises political and ethical questions and concerns about qualitative methods; it demonstrates the usefulness of conversation as a research process. (SK)

Describes qualitative and ethnographic investigation based on structured interviews and observation of 14 college students from chemically dependent, dysfunctional, and sexually abusive families. Sexual abuse was found to be endemic in this subculture. Suggests counseling strategy to assist moving students through role development and toward…

Ethnographic interviews offer the academic decision maker an alternative lens with which to gather information, develop hypotheses, and implement plans. Specific procedures must be followed to use the technique properly, and other research methods should accompany the ethnographic interview for increased validity. (MSE)

Using two studies, this paper argues that the controlled study of how specific variables affect others and the study of the same when embedded in complex educational environments should be based on two sets of assumptions underlying two paradigms, analytic and systemic, that differ as do quantitative and qualitative approaches. (RLC)

Discusses N. L. Gage's 1989 American Educational Research Association meeting address concerning the future of educational research and paradigm disputes. Reviews of research paradigms and qualitative versus quantitative controversies do not suggest that paradigm confrontation will soon end. Progress occurs in social science research methodology…

In a study of the relationship between moral reasoning and teenage drug use, problems arose in an attempt to reduce qualitative data to a quantitative format: (1) making analytic sense of singular and universal responses; (2) the mistaken logical inference that each pattern of judgment should have behavioral indicators; and (3) construction and…

Article examines interpretive inquiry, which views research as a practical, moral activity similar to other inquiry. It discusses interpretive inquiry goals and procedures, how to do interpretive inquiry, and how to distinguish good from bad research. (SM)

Examines what two school-based qualitative research projects on staff relationships and whole school curriculum development have discovered about (British) primary school leadership and development. Findings suggest the importance of a collaborative culture and facilitative leadership styles. Reflections on leadership complexity, instrumental and…

Qualitative research methods were used to examine practices at an elementary school providing inclusive schooling for students with and without disabilities. Findings indicated that systems change occurred slowly, intentionally, and with a collaborative process of decision making which stressed development of policies, conditions, and supports…