Examines the attitudes toward, and uses of, published research of a large random sample of technical communication practitioners. Shows that they value and use research but do not read academic research studies. Analyzes differences among various subgroups of practitioners. (SR)

Reviews and evaluates the methods that generate knowledge about technical communication. Classifies them as quantitative or qualitative, describes each kind in some detail, and concludes with the warning that readers should carefully analyze a research study before generalizing it. (SR)

Explains the use of true experimental designs in technical communication research, lists the eight steps in the research process, and concludes with the hope that practitioners should now be able to read research studies critically and perhaps design empirical studies of their own after further reading. (SR)

Three assumptions to consider in strengthening the relationship among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are (1) link inquiry to the social, political, and economic context; (2) include input from practitioners and policymakers; (3) recognize that the influence of research results is diffuse; and (4) foster a collaborative, interactive…

Describes two methodological approaches (qualitative and quantitative) that grow out of two different research examples. Suggests the problems these methods present. Discusses the ways in which an awareness of these problems can help teachers to understand how to work with researchers in designing useful evaluations of writing programs. (PRA)

Defends expressivism as a philosophy of composition against attack. Argues on historical grounds that it was the social reform dimension of German romanticism that inspired expressivism. Presents one of the author's classes as one that is committed both to the mastery of philosophic method and to the development of student voices. (RS)

Discusses central features of postmodern theory that rhetoricians have found relevant. Considers how these postmodern conceptions are counterparts to discussions in social-epistemic rhetoric. Demonstrates that the complexities of theory have pedagogical implications and that teachers must discover them. Argues that the merger of theory and…

A philosophy can help practitioners explain, direct, criticize, and create adult education practices. The relationship of a personal philosophy to practice is interactive. (SK)

Responds to an article in an earlier issue of this journal. Defends the vital role of "practitioners" in the study and dissemination of communication theory and research. (SR)

Offers views on several issues resulting from the growth and experience obtained in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Discussed are ironies that evolved from the growth of the profession, the relationship between theory and practice, and the problem of acceptance and recognition from academia. (GLR)

Feminist research should be for, with, and by women. It is collaborative, acknowledges researcher subjectivity, explores the uniqueness of women's experience, and encourages recognition of how change might occur. (SK)

Phyllis Schlafly's and Beverly LaHaye's essays on outcome-based education contain numerous inaccurate points, assertions, conclusions, and allegations that have appeared in various conservative newsletters. OBE is a time-honored, highly effective, common-sense way of designing curriculum, delivering instruction, and documenting student learning…

Notes that all counseling and psychotherapy relationships consist of working alliance, transference configuration, and real relationship. Draws on theoretical and research literature and uses clinical examples to offer 19 propositions about how these 3 relationship components interact with one another, how each operates across course of…

Discusses Greenfield's understanding of theory and science and its place in educational administration, beginning with the New Movement's conception of administrative science and its supposed relevance for administrative practice. Considers Greenfield's trenchant criticisms of traditional science in administration and explore his research agenda…

Revision-of-opinion literature has generally found subjective probability judgments to be conservative (underconfident), whereas calibration literature has generally found judgment to be overconfident. Reanalysis of three previous studies shows how such data can coexist and reveals the effects of methodology on judgment interpretations. (SLD)