The paper summarizes and presents counter arguments against positions claiming that randomized experiments in early childhood are unnecessary, impractical, or unethical. It is concluded that more frequent use of randomized experiments in early childhood special education would provide more effective program evaluation data for resource allocation…

Examines feminist theory within the context of other current philosophical discourses, particularly postmodernist deconstructionism. Argues that gender must be understood as a social relation, an undertaking that will involve the continuing deconstruction of the meanings we attach to biology, sex, gender, and nature. (KH)

Although the "self psychology" theories of Heinz Kohut tend to neglect gender, they hold promise for feminist theory because they avoid some problems and limitations of the object-relations theory, especially its conflation of femininity with heterosexuality and apparent closure to historical change. Feminist self-psychology theory, in…

Reviews the status of educational anthropology. Argues that (1) anthropology's strength lies in understanding groups; (2) the complexity of the gap between a school and its community must be better understood; (3) anthropological research offers theoretical paradigms for understanding educational problems holistically; and (4) without significant…

Presents a rationale for developing a social psychology of computing, and provides some historical background on research concerned with the impact of technology on behavior. Describes the articles in this issue, which are said to suggest, as a whole, that computer technology amplifies existing social conditions. (KH)

Reviewed is research that describes how forms and features of child care systems can influence the development of social competency with peers during the infancy to preschool periods. Interactions between child care and familial systems in influencing social competency with peers are also examined.

This paper critically examines existing social perception research regarding mildly handicapped students, offers another perspective on assessing deficient interpersonal performance, and suggests a research agenda for future empirical investigation. (Author/MT)

This paper argues that the appropriate emphasis of reform should be on research of variations in teacher education rather than the uncritical adoption of a specific model. An overview of research addresses the question of how the amounts of coursework in teacher preparation and in subject matter preparation are related to teacher effectiveness.…

Higher education research must focus on three categories-(institutional and system structures, educational processes, and higher education's capacity for change)-if it is to successfully integrate educational research with educational outcomes. (Author)

This paper reviews the literature primarily outside of educational circles on three topics--ergonomics, anthropometry, and proxemics--that affect the learning environment. It also discusses some implications in the hope that research and dialogue can be stimulated. (JOW)

Discusses the theoretical foundations of discourse analysis and intonation and emphasizes that intonation has received little attention in the communicative competence or proficiency movements, despite the fact that intonation is a powerful tool for negotiating meaning, managing interaction, and achieving discourse coherence. (CB)

Summarizes recently articulated research needs in business and technical communication. Argues that qualitative studies of writing on the job and in the classroom are the most needed form of empirical research. Shows how research can be conducted using one type of qualitative research, ethnography. (JAD)

In response to a previous article, the paper characterizes learning disabilities as the consequence of a transaction between students exhibiting certain individual differences and the social system of the schools. Basic and applied research can be related in good instructional research which includes the context of disability. (DB)

Describes how a computer simulation research method can be used for studying distance education systems. Topics discussed include systems research in distance education; a technique of model development using the System Dynamics approach and DYNAMO simulation language; and a computer simulation of a prototype model. (18 references) (LRW)

Discusses how interactive video can be used as a training tool for process operators. Highlights include instructional features of interactive video, random access and branching capabilities, examples of training for operators of automated processes, simulation and interactive video, designing interactive video programs, and suggestions for…