Questions the effectiveness of specialized research because of the fragmentation of knowledge. Argues that inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional research are needed to restore a sense of wholeness to the process of inquiry. Discusses the importance and the advantages of inter-disciplinary research and describes such a program. (GEA)

Argues that R. Trapp's reservations regarding the characterization of Jackson's and Jacobs' conversational argument are unfounded. Reports several studies that use procedures similar to those employed by Trapp to confirm Jackson's and Jacobs' theory. Discusses reservations about using subject generated judgments as an unproblematic standard for…

The well-known problem of cumulating error probabilities is reconsidered from a general epistemological perspective, namely, the concepts of severity and of fairness of tests. It is shown that not only Type 1 but also Type 2 errors can cumulate. A new adjustment strategy is proposed and applied. (Author/JAZ)

Presents a historical perspective on child language research, termed "stingy" because of the lack of financial and institutional support. Speaks of the pioneers and present researchers who study child language as men and women of unusual determination and commitment. (HTH)

Research results reported in this special issue show that egocentricity and staging, both central ideas in the Piaget-Kohlberg account of human development, are myths. The appearance of egocentricity and staging can be accounted for by a subtle combination of ethnocentricity and the effects of inappropriate methodologies. (RM)

Research by Labov dealing with everyday speech and its relation to thinking and reasoning is critiqued, and Cooper's detailed criticism of Labov's research is discussed. Researchers should pay attention to actual speech in settings that are natural, rather than using only quantitative abstractions from artificial and restricted verbal encounters.…

Presents a senior British academic's perspectives on geography's major concerns, priorities, and objectives. Topics include: geography as a discipline; structure and divisions of academic labor; teaching versus research; and future transformations. (TRS)

The mnemonic keyword study of Johnson, Adams, and Bruning (1985) on effectiveness of the keyword method for second-language vocabulary acquisition is critiqued. Of particular concern are literature currency vis-a-vis the authors' stated rationale for conducting the study, and methodological issues associated with the study's implementation.…

Examines difficulties associated with the use of conversational features in the analysis of mother-infant vocalization episodes. Observations of six mother-infant dyads revealed difficulties involving (1) pooling of data; (2) the unit of analysis; and (3) selection of appropriate "expected" values for dyadic parameters used in tests of…

In response to Covington and Omelich (TM 509 075) four main empirical points of agreement regarding achievement strivings are summarized. Four issues concerning the interrelationship of effort and ability attributions and self-worth that need theoretical and empirical resolution are discussed. (BS)

While the author and Raymond Cattell approach personality study differently, their similar conclusions reveal their constructs and theories as complimentary, not contradictory. They agree on major issues: the existence of general personality traits with consistent associated behaviors, the relevance of multivariate studies, and the importance of…

Examines problems of field research conducted by female researchers in policy settings. Proposes ways to manage role, entree and access, data gathering, reciprocity, and reporting. Raises issue of male-female dynamics in field research, and suggests appropriate roles for female researchers in policy settings. (Author/KH)

Eighty preschoolers participated in a study of the usefulness of the lure-retrieval paradigm. Four treatment conditions were compared: In addition to play and training conditions, a questions condition and an alternative-materials control group were employed. Results prompted discussion of theoretical and methodological issues surrounding the…

Reviews the state of South Asian studies in American universities. Focuses on language instruction, a trend toward specialization in particular countries or regions, and the decline of popular interest in South Asia. Reports on the need for new funding to replace the Federal Program, PL 480, whose excess currency fund of rupees is almost…

Examines the way the metaphorical language used by researchers in educational administration to describe the processes, concepts, and relationships they are investigating reveals their attitudes and biases toward education, educational administration, and research. (PGD)