Naturalist and interpretive accounts of educational research lack an adequate philosophical account of its nature. Educational research is both interpretive and scientific. Only by repudiating divisions and distinctions that separate the research community from the educational community can research which is both educational and scientific by…

Analyzes data from a juvenile diversion program which seem to indicate that as program services increased, the likelihood of participant recidivism increased. Maintains that the unexpected findings resulted from flaws in data recording within the program and suggests that program designs should incorporate evaluation strategies in order to ensure…

Presents arguments concerning the linguistic assimilation of Blacks (West Indians) in Britain, and the research methodology used to examine this issue. One argument holds that the studies' designs are flawed, allowing a false interpretation that Blacks are linguistically assimilated; the other argument upholds the research findings. (WAS)

Analysis of the assumptions underlying the stakeholder approach to evaluation combined with the limited experience in testing the approach reported in this volume, suggests that some claims are cogent and others problematical. (Author)

Two methods for dividing an interrupted time-series study between baseline and experimental phases when study resources are limited are compared. In fixed designs, the baseline duration is predetermined. In flexible designs the baseline duration is contingent on remaining resources and the match of results to prior expectations of the evaluator.…

This study examined the possibility that satisfaction normally attributed to a main leisure activity are determined, to some extent, by secondary activities that also are a part of the recreational experience. The attitudes of recreational fishermen are discussed. (Author/PP)

Suggests that research on small group behavior, in a wide variety of settings, will be enhanced by rethinking alternative modes of enquiry, e.g., a focus on induction, a study of whole systems of human enterprise, the utilization of subjective experience, and trans-causal thinking. (Author/RC)

Contains seven articles discussing the application of meta-analysis to research on outcomes in psychotherapy. Provides a framework for understanding meta-analytic procedures and outlines major techniques. Reviews criticisms of integration of psychotherapy outcome research. Evaluates comparative therapy outcome research and discusses limitations of…

Problems with funding, politics, and policy formation for research in the social sciences raise the question of what results are expected from such research. Action based on research results usually does not follow closely the completion of research projects, and policy is often out of step with research. (MSE)

Discusses the current meager state of knowledge of sex differentiation in language variation and concludes that poor theorizing and inadequate methodology are to blame. Describes a study of pronoun usage by male and female Japanese speakers to show that research on sex differentiation in language is possible. (EKN)

Studies of second language acquisition often employ analytical concepts defined relative to the target language. This practice can be a serious obstacle to investigation of crucial questions about the nature of the learners' languages. This comparative fallacy's drawbacks are illustrated through a framework designed to study interlanguage…

Examines some problems with school effectiveness research, including small samples, indentification error, and inappropriate comparisons. Nevertheless, the article concludes that characteristics of effective schools can be useful in school improvement as long as facile solutions are avoided in favor of incremental long-term cultural change.…

Calls attention to limitations and dangers in routine application of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), describes some alternative procedures, and laments the necessarily pervasive character of the statistical problem. (Author)

Critically reviews an earlier published study that assessed the sensitivity of the cloze procedure to intersentential integration. (AEA)

Recent research data contest Piaget's conclusion that preschool children are totally egocentric, incapable of taking different perspectives, and prevented from acting altruistically. Children are able to decenter when experiments enable children to use their knowledge of very basic human purposes, intentions, and interactions. (Author/DB)