Examines the degree to which the effects of apartheid on specific aspects of childhood can be better understood through a historical perspective on Black South African childhood. Historical viewpoints may shed new light on the image of Black children and on the current status of developmental psychology as it is practiced and researched in South…

Learning styles represent a type of aptitude-treatment interaction suggesting that a person's distinctive characteristics (aptitudes) can be matched to a specific treatment (instructional method) yielding a more effective outcome than could otherwise have been achieved. Special education research does not support categorizing youngsters or using…

This study examined 40 articles published in the "American Journal on Mental Retardation" or the "Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps" (JASH) from 1976-78 and 1986-88. Both journals published low numbers of articles with ecological validity in the late 1970s, but JASH subsequently increased…

Several researchers' assumptions regarding social skills of individuals with learning disabilities are refuted as representing an "either/or" empirical view. A postmodern view is presented, contending that exceptionalities are differentiated by looking at the quality of behaviors and possible antecedents rather than comparing them quantitatively,…

Responds to Herbert Zimiles's criticisms in this issue of an overreliance on empirical, quantitative data in child development research, arguing that, although quantitative research has limitations, intuition is no substitute for a rigorous, systematic investigation of a hypothesis. (MDM)

Assumptions and theories underlying grants peer review as a way to select research proposals for funding and its usefulness as an evaluation methodology are explored. Issues arising from the operation of peer-based systems at the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health are examined. (SLD)

Trends in European practice that relate to qualitative assessment in the evaluation of the impact of research and innovation are discussed and analyzed. To date, European evaluations have been mainly concerned with quality and direct impact with few assessments of medium- or long-term impact. (SLD)

To develop a perspective for assessing the effectiveness of developmental education, we must develop definitions, values, and criteria that permit consistency in analyzing students' learning needs and educational outcomes and in comparing research on developmental education. Research literature shows that a lack of consistent perspectives for…

Twenty years of journal publications of the American Psychological Association were reviewed for ethnic content. Results indicate a significant decline in the number of ethnic content articles published between 1970 and 1989. Potential factors that may influence the decline are presented, and research needs are reviewed. (SLD)

Claim of Michael L. Penn, Stanley O. Gaines, and Layli Phillips (1993) in their article "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference"--that self-esteem and identity achievement are unrelated to own-group preference--is a matter of controversy. Recommendations are made for research that considers physical features beyond skin color,…

Summarizes a qualitative study investigating notions of what is shared and contested at one urban Canadian elementary school. Some value orientations manifested by teachers were compatible with the prevailing school culture; others were clearly in conflict with it. Findings provide insight into school culture's dynamics and complexities. (48…

Draws on research with Brazilian street children to present methodological and ethical challenges inherent in research with street children; provides suggestions for overcoming these challenges. Issues of concern include the following: definition and sampling, and lack of clarity in these areas; measurement aspects, including surveys,…

Reading researchers are under attack by policy makers and others outside the field who want a quick, easy method for teaching students to read. Although common ground exists, nothing points to any single best way to teach reading. What matters most is the teacher, flexible approaches, and student interests. Contains 17 references. (MLH)

Reviews relationship of IQ scores to race and gender. Explores the logic that supports the use of intelligence testing to discriminate and to exclude. Argues that default assumptions allow researchers to remain unaware of the subtle adverse impact of their research. Includes recommendations to encourage a broader understanding of intelligence.…

Discusses the paucity of research investigating the academic instruction of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Issues of measurements related to academic performance are reviewed, with the conclusion that the rate of academic responses provides the most desirable measure for research as well as for clinical application. (Author/CR)