The present study points out problems in the model, indices of familiality, and design used by Benbow, Zonderman, and Stanley in a study of precocious children and their parents. (Author/LMO)

Summarizes findings of many studies of personality characteristics and adult-child interaction patterns among the Ojibwa. Points out that most studies were undertaken by non-Indians, and many studies had serious methodological flaws and/or lacked coherent theory. Calls for research to contribute to theory and improve Ojibwa quality of life. (JHZ)

To test the selective recall hypothesis, male and female British adolescents listened to a tape recording of "findings" about sex differences. Fifteen of the findings were pro-female and 15 were anti-male. Males, especially those with more negative attitudes towards women, recalled less pro- and more anti-female items. (KH)

In response to criticisms of the study of the Committee on the Status of Black Americans, the study director and committee chairman discuss the following: (1) participant selection process; (2) consultation with scholars; (3) chairman's qualifications; (4) study group organization; (5) theoretical orientation; (6) sponsoring organization's role;…

Intended to provide the novice media researcher with an introduction, review, and current thinking on media-related research, this article traces the historical emphases and development of such research, discusses its positive and negative aspects, and presents recommendations by practitioners and researchers, as well as directions for future…

Meta-analysis of research on a topic may exclude reports that do not present their results in a statistical form amendable to summarizing procedures used. This article illustrates how researchers can consider this aspect in computing statistics from their data. An illustration of how that can sometimes be done is presented. (Author/JAZ)

To overcome problems of trivia and nostalgia, a problem-centered approach to community oral history projects is proposed. Instead of cataloging details about aspects of past social life, the projects might shape their inquiry as an effort to understand a problem facing the community, a problem with contemporary significance but historical roots.…

Considers possibility of developing a computer tutor around an explicit concept-learning theory derived from machine learning techniques. Some problems with using the focusing (and similar) algorithms in this role are discussed and possible solutions are developed. Design for a guided discovery learning system for tutoring concepts is proposed.…

Reports a quasi-experimental study involving an objective test that was intentionally mis-scored on the copies of the exam returned to students. Results showed that not all perceived errors were reported and that the decision to report errors appeared dependent on whether reporting was to the benefit of the student. (Author/JDH)

Critiques a 1982 research report which related college students' emotions, course grades, and faculty teaching evaluations. Maintains that the design contained several limitations which impugn the validity of the conclusions drawn. (JDH)

Problems with previous factor analytic studies on effective college instruction include: lack of theoretical rationale for item selection; use of incorrect units of analysis; lack of student randomization to classes; failure to control for setting effects; and low content and construct validity. (Author/MSE)

Analyzes 10 theoretical approaches to Black language studies. Divides these into two categories: those that deny the existence of a separate Black language and those that recognize a distinct form of communication. Examines the relationship between language and politics and Black scholars' self-determination as cultural factors influencing…

The variety of languages spoken in Southeast Asia complicates the promotion of Southeast Asian studies in American universities. Increased funding for language study abroad and more intensive summer language programs might lessen the problem. Other problems are limited access to field research and the issue of the humanities' role in Southeast…

Describes current funding problems in the field of Russian and East European studies. Focuses on the needs of younger scholars, who face a shortage of academic positions, and the research institutes, which are hard pressed to develop offerings of many of the Eastern European languages. (KH)

Sources of disenchantment with behavioral sciences research are examined, including research paradigms and problems in discarding them when they are dysfunctional, and politics, academic policies, and the reward structures of research and publication. (MSE)