Research and practitioners are both at fault for failing to understand and communicate with each other. The result has been mutual animosity and a failure of research to bolster educational practice in the way it should. (Author/DS)

The author speaks to Albert Ellis' article and considers the article too naive and simplistic. He particularly questions Ellis' final conclusion that RET is based on a strong empirical foundation. (HMV)

Some major consequences of doing fieldwork in schools over an extended period of time are described. Using Powdermaker's distinction of "stranger and friend," the balance between these two roles and perspectives in terms of role, reciprocity, and receptivity is traced through a description of the author's two year study of student life…

This paper analyzes ways in which the methods used to measure psychological constructs contribute invalidity to measurements. The analysis distinguishes between inadequacies stemming from the behaviors selected for measurement and the harmful effects generated by the measurement operations themselves. (BS)

Describes a reader response study indicating (1) a high degree of agreement on reader beliefs and text events and (2) that students who empathized with a particular character identified the story conflict as pertaining to that character. Suggests specific reader-based and text-based factors that produce convergence and divergence in reader…

Describes collaborative research activities at a university child care center which sought in-depth understanding of factors contributing to the effectiveness of a very successful teacher. Potential problems of conducting collaborative research are pointed out. (RH)

Evaluation Research Society members (n=160) assessed the attributes of research that produce credibility. The study focused on the acceptability of no-difference findings. Randomization, statistical power, number of measures reported, and equivalent groups were tested to determine their influence on acceptability of both no-difference and…

Thirty-two studies, involving 47 discrete experiments, are reviewed on the application of overcorrection to management of self-injurious behavior in intellectually handicapped individuals. The literature supports short-term efficacy of overcorrection. Reservations include the intrusive and restrictive nature of the technique and limited data on…

Research is reviewed on the use of direct observation methods to collect special education data focusing on seven major factors: reactivity; observer drift; the recording procedure; location of the observation; reliability; expectancy and feedback; and characteristics of subjects, observers, and settings. Recommendations are offered for increasing…

Points out that educational research has more critics than supporters. Until researchers convince lawmakers, educators, and taxpayers that research is useful, support for research will not be forthcoming. The constraints on and accomplishments of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement are discussed. (VM)

Presents an overview of research on classroom drama which shows that its use produces positive effects on children's reading, writing, and oral language. Suggests additional questions requiring exploration, and urges researchers to emphasize qualitative rather than quantitative analyses. (ARH)

Although educational research can provide a framework for viewing teaching, one should be cautious when transforming these results into criteria for identifying effective teachers in general and master teachers in particular. Problems arise concerning definitions, causal ambiguity, linearity, student growth measures, context, and research purpose.…

Examines a study conducted by Lam (1986) which compared sheltered and supported employment programs for persons with mental retardation. Discusses how study was designed and how some conclusions were drawn. Raises questions about outcome data interpretation and presents alternative means of comparing program models. (Author/NB)

Responds to comments made by Wehman, Hill, Kregel, and Moon (1987) concerning the results of Lam's 1986 study comparing supported and sheltered employment programs for persons with mental retardation. Addresses specific questions raised by Wehman and his colleagues and discusses research issues on sample comparability. (Author/NB)

This critique of Nisan's (1987) study of morality and convention addresses methodological considerations for cross-cultural research on children's moral and conventional concepts. (PCB)