Six potential problems with the use of randomized experiments to evaluate programs in the field are addressed. Problems include treatment dilution, treatment contamination or confounding, inaccurate case flow and power estimates, violations of the random assignment processes, changes in the environmental context, and changes in the treatment…

It is asserted that the statistical arguments proposed by Humphreys are not supported by the formula he presents. The disagreement with Larson is with the contention that there exists one correct theoretical framework in which intelligence research should be posed. The respective viewpoints are seen as complementary, not competing. (SLD)

Although the research on teacher effectiveness provides a vocabulary and system for improving insights into good teaching, it may induce rigidity into our viewpoints. Following only the research on teaching can put too much emphasis on specific behaviors that cannot be easily measured or prescribed in advance. Includes 24 references. (MLH)

The editor of the "Biblical Archaeology Review" defends publication of an unauthorized copy of the Dead Sea Scrolls transcripts, which used the reconstructive work of others. The ethics of publishing reconstructed transcripts, the history of the documents since their discovery, and the rights and responsibilities of scholars are…

Agrees with many of the points expressed in Herbert Zimiles's criticism of quantitative research in this issue, but argues that the shortcomings identified by Zimiles are present in many qualitative studies as well. Both quantitative and qualitative research need to follow high standards of research design and execution. (MDM)

Despite the popularity of outcome-based education, research documenting its effects is rare. As an umbrella concept embracing various reform efforts, OBE defies easy definition. This article explains two OBE models (Mastery Learning and the Outcomes-Driven Developmental Model used in Johnson City, New York, Schools) and summarizes recent state OBE…

Evaluation of a faculty development in gerontology program used structured interviews, self-reports, and questionnaires to obtain reliable evidence. Methodological problems encountered were identifying institutional and individual effects, selecting measurement methods, and designing outcomes evaluation instruments. (SK)

Discusses Lawrence A. Hirschfeld's (1995) experiments, which Hirschfeld claims demonstrate that preschoolers use a biologically grounded theory in reasoning about race. Argues that the methods used cannot address the issue and therefore, the results do not support Hirschfeld's claims. Maintains that the experiments fail to demonstrate that 4- and…

Debates points raised by S. G. Grant and Kathryn Tzetzo in their critique of the authors'"Handbook on Teaching Social Education," particularly claims that the book gives mixed messages to teachers regarding content, teaching methods, and the definition of issues-centered education, and that it leaves related questions unanswered. (DSK)

Baker and Riordan express disappointment with Father Greeley's sharp comments concerning their September 1998 "Kappan" article. Their major point was that 1990s Catholic schools are no longer educating the disadvantaged, due to changing demographics. Father Greeley's second rebuttal deplores Baker and Riordan's gratuitous scholarship and…

Identifies three theoretical and methodological tensions that shape the interest of researchers in innovative methods and influence their willingness to use the sorts of innovative methods described in this theme issue. Explores the use of qualitative research and the criteria by which it should be judged. (SLD)

There is a serious mismatch between higher education researchers' interests and policy makers' agendas. The rise of sound-bite politics, development of mass systems, and increasing emphasis on relevance have worsened the situation. The higher education community is fragmented and weakly institutionalized, impairing the research-policy interface.…

Tests an educational-effectiveness model by reanalyzing a large-scale dataset containing (Dutch) elementary school data of subsequent student cohorts, their teachers, and their schools. Researchers found some expected positive achievement effects of individual classroom and school factors, but these were unstable across school subjects and student…

Argues that researchers in the area of discourse comprehension and mental representation of discourse will likely feel motivated to adopt highly quantitative research techniques described in the articles in this special issue. Notes that ability to do so will be enhanced by availability of well-documented, easy-to-use computer software, or…

Notes that memory-based text processing (MBP) is a label that has been used to refer to a theoretical perspective shared by contributors to this special issue. Defines the domain addressed by MBP; identifies the major shared assumptions of researchers representing the MBP perspective; and raises some challenges for MBP researchers. (SR)