This article defines qualitative research, provides an illustration of its application, and suggests references that further explain and discuss this research technique. In addition, the strengths and limitations of qualitative research are appraised, particularly as they are illuminated by comparisons with the conventional model of inquiry in…

Discusses an effort to critically evaluate research relevant to the education of children under five. The effort involved a report on the implications of the research for policy, practice, and further research. (Author/BB)

Argues that only positive results in a reading-level (RL) match and negative results in a chronological-age (CA) match are interpretable; negative results in a CA match and positive results in a RL match are not. Argues that using the RL control is only a first step in research into reading disability. (RS)

Research procedures used to evaluate the intelligence of children with specific language impairment are reviewed. Almost half of the 167 studies did not include adequate descriptions of intelligence assessment. (Author/JDD)

Briefly describes types of studies included in this special issue on minority children. Discusses issues in research on minority children and ways in which this research can be encouraged. (PCB)

Examines the problems affecting evaluation of distance education in developing countries in terms of economic, political, and social issues. Discusses one solution, a meta-analysis for synthesizing the results of research studies. (JOW)

Self-efficacy theory and research contribute to self-concept theory primarily by supporting the enhancement model of belief change. This article describes current problems with self-concept theory, describes self-efficacy research, and suggests that self-efficacy theory and methodology present findings that strengthen the association between…

Examines parallels in the study of child-care effects and the study of school effects. Finds striking similarities in the methodological and conceptual advances in both areas. Argues that child-care researchers and school-effects researchers would benefit by monitoring progress in one another's fields. (FMW)

Examines issues associated with the design of and statistical inferences from embedded experiments which vary the questionnaire content into sample surveys of broad populations. Provides an example of context effects in attitude surveys, a summary, and conclusions. (RT)

This two-phase study describes ways in which family day care providers perceived and implemented their caregiving practices. The study revealed that what family day care providers intended to provide for children--a loving, attentive, play-filled environment--was not consistently provided in practice. (Author/BB)

Examines metamethodological issues concerning project organization and maintenance arising in large-scale research. Discusses problems in forming the research team, preparing the proposal, investigator independence, operational decisions, budget allocations, and basic assumptions about the research subject that require solution through…

Defends Merton's theory of strain and crime against recent criticism on the grounds that conceptual reinterpretations have differed from Merton's original statement. Through the analysis of data reported by 1614 juveniles, examines the empirical and theoretical implications of the reconciliation of strain implied in its current use. (Author/BJV)

Reviews the 1989 report, "A Common Destiny: Blacks and American Society," which examines the anticipated and unanticipated consequences of initiatives since 1940 to improve the Blacks' social position. Criticizes the report for omitting evidence concerning racial differences in intelligence and criminal activity at the individual level. (FMW)

Describes a new attitude toward social science research on Alaska Natives' and American Indians' problems resulting from growing tribal appreciation of the usefulness of research, increased academic and professional training of Natives, more researchers with long-term working relationships with tribal groups, federal research funding requirements,…

Invites the American Mental Health Counselors Association to engage more fully in the science as well as the practice of mental health counseling. Reviews current status of research in psychotherapy with emphasis on a persistent divergence between those who identify themselves as researchers versus clinicians. Challenges that premise by examining…