Describes a project that required graduate nursing students to conduct qualitative meta-synthesis of ethnographic research, using Noblit and Hare's approach. Discusses the process of meta-synthesis, interpretation of outcomes, and students' reactions to the project. (Contains 16 references.) (SK)

Explores nature and processes of learning from coursework in national examinations undertaken by 16-year-old students, using qualitative approaches. Finds that, while the practice of underpinning coursework could support deeper, more independent learning, pressures of achieving good grades mediated against all pupils reaching an optimum level of…

Examines the validity and reliability of focus group methodology from three perspectives: radical-hermeneutic, moderate interpretive, and realistic. Describes a survey of researchers in four European projects using focus groups and describes the strengths and weaknesses of the method. (Contains 48 references.) (SK)

Differentiates positivist qualitative research from nonpositivist approaches (descriptive/phenomenological, interpretive/hermeneutic, and discourse analysis). (SK)

Using the Rasch model for ordered categories, this paper provides a method for qualitative interpretations of data from an affective measure such as an attitude scale. This maximum information approach provides explicit qualitative information about the meaning of a score on the latent trait being assessed. (SLD)

Explored the state of evaluation practice, including monitoring, in planning departments in 14 municipalities of regional scale and style in Ontario, Canada. Compared applications of evaluation in planning practice with generic evaluation practice and identified critical determinants of success through qualitative research methods. (SLD)

Using qualitative data gathered in six Success for All schools, examines how principal leadership shapes and is shaped by the reform and the successes and challenges faced by Success for All facilitators in occupying a position of teacher leadership. (Contains 73 references.) (Authors/PKP)

Addresses issues regarding inhibitors to effective professional development that emerged during analysis of qualitative data gathered during stratified random sample of Ohio principals. Although principals appeared to recognize their pivotal role in the professional development process, majority reported financial restrictions and time constraints…

Focuses on poetry as a method of discovery in educational research, examining specific techniques of poetic craft that can help increase the value and impact of qualitative data collection, analysis, and representation. Presents examples of poetic technique from research, discussing the use of poetry as a means for educational scholarship to…

Analyzes a recent instance of focus group research applied to a public relations case (rather than a marketing case). Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of this qualitative method, and describes the case of a county department of mental health relying on focus group research to help plan a program aimed at reducing the stigma of mental…

Provides an introduction to and analysis of hermeneutics as an alternative research method for library and information science, discussing its philosophical advantages over quantitative research. The triadic process of interpretation is described as particularly suitable for advancing the theoretical foundations of library and information science.…

Recognizing that there are several tools available for conducting vocational education research, the author emphasizes two perspectives: (1) quantitative research, broadly defined as having an emphasis on numbers, and (2) qualitative research, defined as not having an emphasis on numbers. A balance among methodologies is recommended. (Author/JOW)

Projects three possible outcomes to the criticisms of objective, quantitative educational research by antinaturalists, interpretivists, and critical theorists during the 1980s, referred to as the "Paradigm Wars." Argues for a pragmatic rapprochment of the paradigms based on the moral obligations of educational research. (FMW)

The use of qualitative research methodology in adult education has (1) led to the concepts of marginality, enrollment economy, and perspective transformation; (2) stimulated research in participation, motivation, and self-directed learning; and (3) increased understanding of adult illiterates. Qualitative inquiry has potential for extending the…

Exception is taken to Jacob's position; it is argued that a framework of distinct theoretical traditions is neither an accurate historical account of social science nor helpful to researchers. Classifying researchers and their projects into "traditions" is considered counterproductive. In addition, Jacob's neglect of British research is…