A literature review was structured using models of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover intentions, and turnover behavior. Key findings were as follows: methodology of most studies was weak; most used cross-sectional design and self-report measures; and samples were largely executives and professionals and predominantly white. (81…

Given only correlation coefficient, one cannot infer causality. This lesson has been lost on Secretary of Education Richard Riley, who recently intoned that "taking rigorous mathematics courses ... early in secondary schools is a gateway to college and future employment." Students taking such classes have probably already been identified…

This commentary proposes that cross-cultural studies of parenting, like studies within a culture, should become more focused--with antecedent or concurrent measures selected to provide a clear view toward "child outcome." Furthermore, differences within countries may be as great as differences between countries. Therefore, the relevant cultural…

Describes experimental approaches used to demonstrate perception without awareness. Maintains that experimental findings based on all four approaches lead to the conclusion that stimuli are perceived even when observers are unaware of the stimuli. Asserts that future research should assess the functions of information perceived without awareness…

Examines criticisms of school-effectiveness research (SER) in two papers by Martin Thrupp and by Roger Slee and Gaby Weiner in this special issue. Despite critics' focus on SER's overclaiming, undertheorizing, and political ineptitude, the main issue seems to be researchers' dismissive attitudes and their suppression of scholarly debate. (Contains…

Discusses issues inherent in two meta-analyses of instructional interventions for students with learning disabilities conducted by Gersten and Baker, and MacArthur et al. Issues include word recognition, technology and text comprehension, electronic enhancements, technology and writing, insufficiency of writing intervention research, and inclusion…

After a brief review of the history of research with individuals with mental retardation, this article examines critical ethical issues related to informed consent and surrogate decision-making. It then discusses ways to facilitate the research decision-making process for individuals with mental retardation and their families, including enhancing…

The conclusion of J. Cameron and W. D. Pierce that rewards do not pose a threat to intrinsic motivation (1994) is a misrepresentation of the literature based on a flawed meta-analysis. Their analysis is more an attempt to defend behaviorist turf rather than meaningful consideration of relevant data and issues. (Author/SLD)

Addresses the lack of data on procedures used to recruit subjects in marital research by examining the effects of different sampling techniques. In Study One, couples recruited through newspaper advertisements were found to be at greater risk for marital discord. In Study Two, couples who responded to mailed solicitation were found to be less…

Bias due to attrition of respondents poses a threat to the internal and external validity of research findings. Discusses methods of detecting attrition bias in longitudinal family research, and presents Heckman's procedure to correct attrition bias. Data from the University of California Longitudinal Study of Generations are used to illustrate…

Finding helpful education research often seems an onerous task. However, the federal government and many research organizations are taking steps to give policymakers and practitioners access to useful, readable research. Sidebars list addresses for the research sources cited. (MLF)

Provides the second half of an extensive study examining research in developmental education, evaluating the quality of the research based on a sample of 52 randomly selected articles and conference presentations. Discusses problems encountered in the studies related to the design implementation, and analysis of results from research. (33…

Explores common conceptions of what constitutes knowledge in educational administration, how knowledge relates to practice, and how individuals in universities might characterize productive research as occupying a multidimensional space along why, who, and how dimensions. Discusses five guiding principles and need for a community of scholars.…

Argues that dynamic systems theories may illuminate processes whereby public policy influences child development and highlight gaps in current relevant research. Discusses five principles of dynamic systems theories using examples from research addressing effects of current antipoverty and welfare policies on children. Concludes by suggesting…

Describes how teachers can help students learn to use effectively the wealth of knowledge on the Internet by organizing research in advance, planning carefully and structuring assignments as students conduct their own research, and teaching students to evaluate web sites. (SR)