Minority groups seeking self-determination have a need for and a right to participate in and contribute to a growing body knowledge of human development and human relationships generated by social science research that is not only scientific, hence "unbiased," but which does not perpetuate damaging stereotypes. It is the purpose of this paper to…

This document was prepared in response to a request from the executive secretary of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to develop a Master Plan for Teacher Education in Alabama to serve through the year 1978-79. There are introductory sections on the development of the plan and on the present execrable situation in public schools. The…

Multiple regression analysis is not beyond the reach of most researchers and research classes. It may prove beneficial to the communication researcher for a number of reasons. One of its most significant contributions to effective research is the utility of looking at several variables simultaneously. Another contribution of multiple regression…

Feedback is discussed in relation to measuring the change process, a three-step procedure of dialogue, decision-making, and action-taking. Measurement problems resulting from feedback are presented. (AG)

A total of 10 studies since 1962 pertaining directly to the use of cloze procedure as a teaching technique are initially reviewed. The reviewed literature is then synthesized to determine what is currently known about cloze as a teaching device and to identify general weaknesses in this research area. General problems identified are no real…

The validity and reliability of small group research published between 1970 and 1971 is examined in this paper. In response to the small group research position which gives precedence to theory over method, the author counters that placing measurement in a secondary position increases the danger of accepting claims of experiments which contain…

The authors question Burgoon's assumption that the acquisition of grades and the achievement of course goals are highly positively correlated. The major criticisms of Burgoon's study concern use of grades as measurements of success and the nature of the experimental population. The use of grades is criticized on the grounds that disparity existed…

At the 1973 program of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, 50 research investigations completed during the years 1966-73 were reviewed for comparison with the trend of research activities completed during 1955 through 1965. Recent research is characterized by interaction between teachers and students in classroom and…

An overview is provided of factors considered relevant to gaining and maintaining the participation of subjects in longitudinal studies. Research findings indicate that the response rate can be affected by various aspects of the questionnaire, type of sponsorship, use of incentives, special mailing techniques, and followup procedures. Other…

In an analysis of the research literature on specific teacher behaviors which focused on oral language or speaking, no studies were found which could meet fully the criteria proposed for inclusion. Sources of problems lay in (1) the absence of an explicit theory of language underlying the study or series of propositions; (2) the failure to get…

Interest in quantifying nonverbal variables in human interaction has led to the development and application of several nonverbal observation systems. The authors present a selective overview of these approaches, briefly explaining the major assumptions in terms of their differences and similarities. Drawing largely from their own experiences in…

In this review of the current state of humor research, the author traces the basic problems to two major deficiencies: (1) a lack of adequate theorizing concerning the effects of humor in communication, and (2) problems in experimental designs, particularly the study of humor in a laboratory setting. Too little research and insufficient attention…

This book is designated for an audience of the practitioners of education, especially those located in elementary schools. It is designed to investigate and explain research methods, terms, and concepts so that the reader can narrow down the many ways things are known or said to be known. Included in this book are chapters on the research process…

This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) summarizing the findings of the Committee on Social Science Research. Their investigations into student research revealed that whereas there was an increasing rate of registration for a Ph.D. degree, there was a parallel high incidence of dropouts; some 80% of candidates who…

A survey was conducted in an effort to determine the state of development of institutional research in Ohio public two-year institutions. A questionnaire mailed to the chief administrative officer at each campus yielded a response rate of 84%. Results of the survey showed: (1) at least 84% of the two-year campuses have or may be served by an…