The paper evaluates the empirical and theoretical basis upon which several recent studies reject the hypothesis of a visual-perceptual deficit in reading disabilities. (Author)

Challenges the view that the social sciences are theoretically impoverished disciplines when compared with the natural sciences. Demonstrates that the synthesis of an abstract Darwinian model of systemic adaptation and the behavioral principles of social learning produces a logical theory of sociocultural evolution. (DB)

The task of the sports sociologist is to be able, through disciplined inquiry, to test available evidence against personal assumption. Sociological analysis in its classical form is necessarily critical and action-oriented. (Author/LH)

Identifies four major areas of recent investigations: cross-cultural studies of political socialization, the focus on the interactive nature of the individual in the process of learning about politics, the need to examine the comparative impacts of the various agencies of political socialization, and methodological and conceptual refinements.…

Three methods for improving scientific-pedagogical research are suggested: (1) increase the role of theoretical inquiry in the study of pedagogical phenomena, (2) unite the analysis of theoretical ideas with the study of typical features of pedagogical practice, and (3) evaluate critically the conclusions and recommendations of research.…

Article is a description of an evaluation conducted by the center for New Schools for an innovative program in the Cleveland Heights, Ohio schools. The rationale for the use of ethnographic methods and problems that arose from the CNS experiences are discussed. (RW)

Recommendations of committee include greater centralization of research activities; improved communication between social researchers and policy-makers; better coordination in research by the establishment of planning bodies at different levels; and increased funding. (RW)

Makes a case for the formulation of models of status attainment processes that not only model the outcomes of such processes, but also attempt to directly mirror the mechanisms that produce observed outcomes. Presents an evaluation of Boudon's contribution toward constructing such a model of the attainment processes. (Author/JM)

Critically examines the portions of Arthur Jensen's books that concern Barbara Burks' 1928 study of adoptive families. Findings are that Burks' sample was highly selective, that her environmental measures were limited, and that Jensen has misrepresented the content and implications of her study. It is also shown that Jensen's estimates of…

The Privacy Protection Study Commission (PPSC) held public hearings on personal data record-keeping policies and practices in educational institutions in Los Angeles in October and in Washington, D.C. in November, 1976. Under consideration were the protections afforded parents and students by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.…

Summarizes current research on ability grouping of academically gifted students. Findings show that advanced students benefit more academically than low-ability students from homogeneous grouping; homogeneous groups are more academically and socially beneficial for all abilities than heterogeneous grouping; continuous progress makes an academic…

Professional educators may be behind the times in their thinking about school size. Many educational leaders mistakenly believe that large schools provide better learning environments at less cost than smaller schools. Actually, there are few conclusive before-and-after consolidation studies, consolidation does not seem to save money, and small…

Notes that psycholinguists have studied "fast mapping," and behavior analysts have studied the phenomenon of"learning by exclusion." Reviews the research protocols, questions, and outcomes of these two research lines to show their clear similarities, to support the argument that both disciplines are studying a single…

Examines four types of evidence of literacy trends and performance among schools and students: national literacy data; then-and-now studies; Scholastic Aptitude Test trends; and test renorming studies, particularly those pertaining to the 1970s. Argues that both sides of the debate concerning the quality of education have misrepresented evidence…

This special issue focuses on several methodological issues in the evaluation of the largest mental health and substance abuse project for children and adolescents conducted at a single site, the U.S. Army's Fort Bragg Child and Adolescent Mental Health Demonstration program. The introduction and seven articles describe this program and the…