Recommends that when repeated-measures Latin-square designs are used to counterbalance treatments across a procedural variable or to reduce the number of treatment combinations given to each participant, effects be analyzed statistically, and that in all uses, researchers consider alternative interpretations of the variance associated with the…

Yorks et al. present a case study of participant observation in an Action Reflection Learning program, labeling researchers as sophisticated barbarians because they have knowledge to ask questions but their distance from the culture might make some questions "barbaric." Baldwin's reaction describes additional challenges beyond boundary…

Suggests that, with the waning influence of Piaget and shortcomings of information-processing perspectives of cognitive growth, cognitive developmentalists lack a metatheory to guide their research. Posits developmental biology as metatheory for cognitive development. Introduces basic principles of evolutionary psychology, and examples of…

Some concerns about the use and reporting of coefficient alpha are addressed. It is also shown that alpha is not a measure of homogeneity or unidimensionality. Four ways in which researchers use of alpha can convey inaccurate information or a lack of understanding are reviewed. (SLD)

The value of qualitative research is often tempered by inappropriate use of methods and findings. Ways to enhance its utility include improving practice and critique, conducting secondary data analyses and qualitative metasyntheses, and finding valid, innovative ways to re-present findings. (SK)

Agrees with the power of randomized clinical trials, but makes the case that random assignment raises other, unanticipated threats to internal validity as a result of failing to consider treatment preference in research participant behavior. Reviews benefits and limitations of research strategies that augment randomization while respecting…

Examined participation of elderly people in research. Compared to subjects refusing consent, subjects signing consent had significantly more positive feelings about being used as subject; giving urine; giving blood; having physical examination; being interviewed; taking intelligence test; answering questions; being subject to help others; finding…

Research interest groups may be a desirable option for individuals in nursing education and service who have not previously conducted research in a particular clinical area. Team efforts are part of the growing attention now being paid to balancing individual and collective interests. (Author/JOW)

Questions assumptions that process variables have fixed meanings, discretely contribute to outcomes, and have a decontextualized net worth, evaluated by their correlations with outcomes. Suggests conceptual framework that integrates theory-driven and discovery-oriented strategies into cyclical, ecologically oriented model. (Author/NB)

Discusses the limitations of Campbell and Christopher's literature on moral development and altruism, claiming that the authors based some of their conclusions on questionable definitions, incorrect assumptions about others' assertions and beliefs, and reference to a limited portion of prosocial behavior. Suggests that Kantian presuppositions play…

Presents criteria for judging research evidence. Points to the importance of seeing the relationship between and among data, observation, evidence, and theory. Defines "communication evidence" as examining the process by which agents produce meaning with others, with emphasis on meaning as production. Concludes with a plea to let…

Compared widowed spouses who participated or refused to participate in longitudinal bereavement study using Bereavement Risk Index. Refusers scored significantly higher than participants on only two items, suggesting that they exercised less control over their emotionality at time of loss and were less likely to be working outside the home.…

Explains how starting with simple questions about adult education leads to sophisticated techniques and questions about effectiveness of research methods. Considers that some questions may never be answered. (SK)

Child abuse research has provided information on psychological sequelae of sexual molestation, with findings helpful in informing social policy and guiding mental health practice. Because of recency of interest, costs, and time investment associated with more rigorous longitudinal research, many studies have used correlational designs and…

Discusses problems researchers face when they want to describe relationship between several predictors and criterion variable. Considers ways of addressing problem of contribution of each predictor depending on which other predictors are in regression equation. Focuses on parallel information for each variable, examining initial and final…