This paper focuses on the role of collaboration in facilitating critical reflection and interpretation of data in a collaborative research project undertaken by school-based and university-based researchers. The popular image of research in the natural and social sciences has long been dominated by the figure of the lone researcher, but this image…

A qualitative study was conducted in the winter of 2000 with children enrolled in a Clef Club, the fourth level of an early childhood music program sponsored by the Eastman School's Community Education Division (Rochester, NY). Eleven participants, ages 4.7 to 6.6, enrolled in 3 sections of the 10-week program taught by the researcher. Classroom…

This study examined the substance, researched the history, tracked the growth, and documented the expression of the feminine voice. Patriarchy, as a critical, formative construct, is viewed from historical, religious, and societal perspectives. The emergence and growth of the Feminist era was also considered as a source of support to feminine…

The conduct and use of qualitative research and the role of fiction as a way of examining the experiences of an African American woman are explored. The paper uses an alternative qualitative model to examine issues of power, equity, and race in the particular context of the African American woman. It discusses the writings of Zora Neale Hurston as…

It is only by the considered and judicious use of a range of methodologies that educators, policymakers and the public can make real advances to the system for teaching students to reach their full reading potential. By limiting reading instruction research to experimental and quasiexperimental studies, the National Reading Panel missed critical…

Describes the use of a mixed method approach to evaluate a nonprofit agency that provides organizational consultation and other support services to nonprofit organizations in Israel. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods resulted in a richly representative picture of the clients' thoughts and experiences. Benefits and disadvantages of…

The Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) welfare-to-work program in California was evaluated by the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC). The evaluation relied on involvement of stakeholders, examination of program implementation, flexibility, the adaptation of evaluation questions and designs during the study, use of random…

Identifies five methods of phenomenographic research in early work at Gothenburg University (Sweden): discursive; experimental; naturalistic; hermeneutic; and phenomenological. Argues that phenomenography is a productive form of research, even if the degree of methodological reflection applied by phenomenographers to their work is found wanting.…

Von Bergen, Soper, Rosenthal, and Wilkinson examine four alternative training methods (subliminal self-help, meditation, mental imagery/practice, and neurolinguistic programming), concluding that only mental practice is supported by scientific evidence. Watkins takes issue with their dismissal of qualitative evidence. Their rejoinder asserts the…

Offers reflections on a new type of qualitative research: consensual qualitative research (CQR). Argues that consensus processes and judgments are inherent in the understanding of any form of research practice. Discusses normative understanding of research practice, locates CQR in existing research traditions, and judges the value of CQR practice.…

Changing views of learning in the workplace necessitate new assessment approaches. Narrative provides a vehicle for self-reflection and examination of complex realities. Related techniques are scenario building and process mapping. (SK)

Defines "something else" as something that attends to the complexity of the questions asked and the diversity of the "audiences" for whom "knowledge" is being produced--the fruits of research efforts. Finds that it is less a matter of continuing to perpetuate the qualitative/quantitative debate than attempting to…

Twenty-three in-depth interviews with three women involved in leadership training and three "frentors" (mentor/supervisor/friend) revealed that issues of gender, ethnicity, and class affected their participation in training. The researcher faced several dilemmas: (1) having prior close connections with the interviewees; (2) disapproval…

Asserts that the craft knowledge of skilled teachers must be shared to help nursing students become competent, committed qualitative researchers. Strategies to develop a qualitative eye, deal with challenges such as ethical conduct, inform approaches to fieldwork, and extend capacity and confidence to interpret data, play with ideas, analyze…

Case study data from four higher education institutions on the use of portfolio assessment in nursing were mapped against criteria for rigor in qualitative research. Monitoring rigor was determined to be best done by students, teachers, and placement mentors. Discrepancies appeared between internal teacher monitoring and external examiners.…