A psychologist on the staff of a research preschool in Chicago found that contact with black community leaders was essential to the success of the project. Specific questions dealt with the proper focus of research and the use of research funds in the community. This essay presents the research psychologist's views concerning the Negroes'…

This collection of four symposium papers explores research and data problems in big-city schools. The papers are "Data Accessibility: Policies and Organizational Strictures in Big-City Schools" by W.G. Monahan (ED 019 749), "Some Data Problems in Systems Research" by M.C. Alkin and W.L. Duff, Jr. (ED 021 324), "Towards Adequate Educational and…

Evaluating current rural development research, the paper covers 6 major areas: (1) the nature and purpose of research; (2) circumstances related to rural development that require careful attention; (3) observations on rural development "disorganization" as an "outsider" might view the situation; (4) an opinion about the focus…

This inquiry was conducted to develop indigenous research methodology aimed at minimizing the gap between educational research and practice. The intent was not to produce a final or complete solution to the problem, but rather to suggest a procedure which would provide partial closure. Alternative methods, including various types of linkage…

The author discusses the methodological problems facing researchers interested in studying black communication, some of which are the same problems encountered by students of intercultural communication. While the study of black communication must deal with the usual problems of obtaining primary resources, establishing the appropriate…

The non-response bias analysis of data from a stratified nationwide probability sample of high school seniors produced evidence in support of the hypothesis that nonrespondents tend to be of lower "educational level" than respondents. A partial-response bias analysis of the same data indicated that there were similarities between the biases of…

Reports on a study designed to determine the proportion of the communication research studies published in seven journals in the 1970s that obtained their data from, and based their conclusions upon, student populations in general and undergraduate college student populations in particular. (GW)

Requirements of research projects intended to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of new or modified health-care-delivery arrangements are discussed. Included in the discussion are the peculiarities of evaluation research, issues that arise in the implementation of health-related programs and their evaluation, and the dissemination process. (JMD)

Examines the effects of school desegregation by suggesting some reasons why those who review the research might misinterpret or misrepresent the evidence; and by summarizing what is known about two significant types of outcomes--academic achievement, and busing and "white flight." (Author/MLF)

Problems encountered in large-scale educational evaluations are discussed using the evaluation of the Emergency School Aid Act as an example. This extensive article focuses primarily on methodological issues. (JKS)

The main question explored in this article is whether behavior analysts are more interested in examining the variables of which socially important behaviors are a function, or in improving those behaviors. It is concluded that improvement is currently more important to researchers than analysis. (Author/AM)

Computes various thermodynamics and statistical quantities of all electrically charged particles in a small plasma to analyze: (1) How many particles are required for computer stimulation of a macroscopic plasma? (2) To find out if this method is accurate and fast enough to become a good tool of statistical plasma mechanics. (GA)

The achievement of Nigerian elementary students instructed in the native language, Yoruba was compared to achievement of students taught in Yoruba and then in English. When a new curriculum was developed, these additional variables influenced the research design. The roles of research and evaluation in educational innovation are also discussed.…

Traces individual physicists and financial considerations associated with the historical development of academic research and research facilities in physics at the University of California (Berkeley), California Institute of Technology, and Stanford University from the 1890's to the 1930's. (SL)