Presents an overview of research on disability and integrates rehabilitation research with the mainstream of scientific activity. Examples of disability research are given covering spinal cord injury, facial disfigurement, cancer of the larynx, and cystic fibrosis. (Author/TA)

Discusses a study designed to determine empirically the gratifications sought from communication channels and to test the assumption that individuals differentiate channels based on gratifications. (MH)

Presents detailed guidelines based on the literature for screen layout and design of online catalogs, and discusses the potential advantages in terms of number of transactions per hour and user satisfaction. Further research questions are suggested and an extensive bibliography is provided. (CLB)

Maintains that economic geography is alive and well. Describes some of the challenges facing research in economic geography and highlights the changing approaches being applied to economic geography. Includes sections on structural change, economic reorganization, and internationalization of manufacturing and finances. (JDH)

A foreign language professor makes a case against the tendency of college faculty to conduct research or publish work which is highly specialized and typically useful to only a very small segment of the population. Scholars must increase the breadth of vision, not reduce it. (CB)

Describes study that investigated whether the use of LOGO accelerates cognitive development of five- and seven-year-old kindergarten students as measured by Piagetian-based tests of conservation of length, number, and ability to identify geometric shapes. Pretests and posttests are described and directions for future research are given.…

Areas of need in educational research are discussed: (1) assessment of student achievement; (2) necessary content area skills; (3) traits of outstanding teachers; (4) how to teach higher order thinking skills; (5) effective computer use; (6) skills to enhance worker productivity; (7) sound investments for education; (8) effective methods of…

Research is reviewed on the interaction patterns of individuals using augmentative and alternative communication systems. Major findings and limitations of interaction studies are highlighted, focusing on methodological approaches, subjects, partners, contexts and sampling procedures, and measures and data analyses. Directions for future research…

A panel discusses possible futures for second-language study, instruction, learning, and research, touching upon the need for an interdisciplinary perspective, the teacher-researcher relationship, bilingualism, research dissemination, teacher training, and the need for more information regarding linguistic minorities. (CB)

In response to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," this counterpoint addresses the role of basic versus applied research, limitations of the procedure proposed by Swanson for establishing external validity and proving the metatheory, and limitations of metatheoretical research with regard to developing…

In rebuttal to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," this article emphasizes that a bias toward applied research in learning disabilities is appropriate, that explanatory theories may not provide control over the phenomena explained, and that the field's orientation toward social consensus rather than…

This response to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," argues that the field's development from social consensus has positive consequences and that the field is a "prenormal' science. A megatheory is suggested, incorporating metatheoretical aspects of the learning-disabled's information processing…

Discusses the limitations of laboratory research in evaluating second language instruction, arguing that field research, which fosters a concern for what works in the classroom first, is more desirable because it provides direct feedback to instructors. (Author/CB)

Research on children injured inadvertently has generally led to the notion of accident proneness. This does not lead to the creation of preventive strategies. Longitudinal research is proposed for studying the behaviors of children in conjunction with their injury history. Developmental psychological characteristics are important considerations in…

In the context of a response to other articles contained in a special issue on social interaction skills of handicapped students, trends in developing social interaction skills of behavior disordered students are discussed, including current training issues and procedures as well as suggestions for future research and program development. (JW)