Explores some of the methodological issues and problems involved in studies of black mother-child interactions, and presents alternatives to previously-used methods of selecting tasks, instructing subjects, and collecting data in the home. (BD)

Indicates that the two-dimensional model of family communication is better suited to evaluation of whites than blacks. (KS)

Discusses how the authors' review of literature on ability grouping prompted them to look closer at the objectivity of research in general. Concludes that predispositions to specific topics of research, prompted by preexisting values and characteristics of the particular reader, affects the objectivity of the reader in interpreting research…

This article highlights three common problems with assessment research, including the following needs: (1) to adopt a hypothesis testing approach; (2) for research to be guided by available formal and informal theory, and (3) for research to be consistent with general school psychological practice. New research methodologies and new research…

Research supports the notion that substitute teachers generally are ineffective. This study examines whether trained substitutes can be as effective as assigned teachers in teaching students with behavior disorders. Findings showed that substitutes with intensive inservice training in behavior management were equally effective for one-day…

Identified are four major fallacies in Douglas Fuchs and Lynn Fuchs' critique of the Adaptive Learning Environments Model (ALEM) and the General Education Initiative (GEI): erroneous interpretations of the GEI, segregationism in the Fuchs' point of view, the research base of the ALEM, and readiness for the GEI. (JDD)

This paper refutes the arguments of Margaret Wang and Herbert Walberg in their support of the Adaptive Learning Environments Model (ALEM) and the General Education Initiative. It focuses on the small number of ALEM implementations and replications, weaknesses of the research and evaluations supporting ALEM, and other specific criticisms. (JDD)

Identifies common points in recent research reports on undergraduate liberal arts education and relates them to traditions in the history of education. Concludes that the recommendations of these reports contain important and basic contradictions. (FMW)

Points out that infant day care research is still in its infancy, criticizes Jay Belsky's infant day care position conceptually and methodologically, and considers alternative models of influence that may account for the putative association of day care and maladjustment. (SKC)

Presents an annotated bibliography of ERIC materials, covering problems, practices, and priorities in institutional research; the role of the institutional research office; and research guidelines and procedures. (DMM)

The definition of progress as applied to writing research and practice is examined, and three different approaches to understanding the writing of exceptional children are considered: a literal approach, an interpretive approach, and an evaluative approach. The scientific and social implications of each of the approaches are considered.…

Critics have occasionally asserted that the number of factors in the 16PF tests is too large. This study discusses factor-analytic methodology and reviews more than 50 studies in the field. It concludes that the number of important primaries encapsulated in the series is no fewer than the stated number. (Author/JAZ)

The controversy surrounding the study by the Committee on the Status of Black Americans requires discussion of: (1) the recent history of race relations research; (2) the role of the study's director; and (3) composition of the controlling committee. Since perspectives of researchers affect study outcomes, diversity in research leadership is a…

The educational research community has stressed the importance of minority researchers studying the groups of which they are members. The field work described here, investigating attitudes of parents and teachers in a reservation community toward multicultural education, supports this view. (LHW)

Research can strengthen both the Asian American community and community-based service organizations. Academic research can be more valuable to service providers if researchers do the following: (1) define areas of concern; (2) keep research information updated and current; and (3) commit themselves to follow through. (PS)