This paper presents Professional Practical Knowledge research as a method for studying the observable action and invisible knowledge of early intervention service providers. The research provides practitioners with a special window through which intervention practices can be seen from a fresh perspective. The paper addresses the method's…

The various arts and sciences that comprise the field of program evaluation are discussed. It is argued that emphasis on rigor and expressive content has left other aspects of evaluation unexplored. Educational evaluators need to consider what programs mean and how they contribute to understanding. (SLD)

Gives examples of how qualitative methodologies have been employed to study media reception in the present. Identifies some forms of evidence that can creatively fill the gaps in knowledge about media reception in the past. Argues that the field must develop databases documenting media reception, which may broaden the scope of audience research in…

Legitimate and fair criteria for the publication of qualitative naturalistic research in occupational therapy include credibility and transferability. Such methods as triangulation, negative case analysis, and testing for rival hypotheses are promising criteria for fairness and rigor. (SK)

Presents dual perspectives on the experience of a pilot phase of school-based research. Focuses on the methodological difficulties that occurred before and during research. Discusses concrete ways to improve the study and reflects on the teacher/researcher interaction. (Author/SJR)

Summarizes qualitative, field-based findings about effective strategies that employers use to prevent and manage work disability. Site visits substantiated the study's quantitative findings and explored how policies and practices are implemented in the workplace. Identifies successful strategies and discusses their implications. (Author/MKA)

Examines literacy development among a group of preschool and kindergarten children through changes in the form, function, and perception of their written names. Studies 67 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds, their teachers, instructional aides, and 6 case-study parents participating in a yearlong analysis. Concludes that "name" has the…

Details the development of a career-counseling intervention program for veterans based on narrative or storytelling principles. The usefulness of stories as an organizing principle for counselors and clients is discussed, and suggestions are offered for further uses of storytelling interventions. (Author/GCP)

Extends the methods of using film as a tool to teach content analysis and examines the use of feature films in teaching ethnographic methods. Explores how feature films are a valuable pedagogical tool in qualitative methods instruction by drawing from an assignment developed for a course on youth subcultures. (DSK)

Presents findings from a qualitative study exploring young people's perceptions about the provision of a youth-counseling service. Study reveals factors that hinder willingness to seek counseling and factors that encourage young people to make use of counseling. (Author/GCP)

Developed a multidimensional scale of adolescents' satisfaction with mental health services with items derived from qualitative interviews about their experiences in services. Results from 180 adolescents indicate the psychometric qualities of the scale. Discusses the four-factor structure and scale reliability. (SLD)

Introduces a theme issue that focuses on how qualitative researchers ensure that the data they get are good, explaining why it is important for teachers and administrators to understand this. The paper briefly reviews each of the articles, all of which address one aspect of getting good data based on the authors' own research and experiences. (SM)

Researchers with the Parents and Schools Project funded by the European Union worked to find a strategy for the enhancement of home: school partnership. A problem-solving activity that was developed is described. This priority diamond exercise helps gather qualitative and quantitative data to promote dialog between schools and parents. (SLD)

Argues for the use of reflective program evaluation in the South African context as a dynamic agent of improved practice. Provides an overview of program evaluation and explores the reasons that make quantitative evaluation of limited value. Discusses the attempts that have been made to overcome the inadequacies of this kind of evaluation.…

Describes a research project that explores the experiences of five art therapy researchers. In-depth, open-ended interviews are used to explore the therapists' experiences with and views of research in therapy. (JPS)