Discusses two studies conducted in the same classroom at overlapping times that contain apparent contradictions about the teacher's effectiveness and the nature of discussions in his classroom. Concludes that the forms and mechanisms for conducting this type of research are inadequate and that the inherent issues of subjectivity and objectivity…

Reports results of a qualitative study of Australian library educators regarding the broadening of library education to include other information professions. Respondents are categorized as conservers (showing little enthusiasm for expanding the boundaries of library education) and expansionists (seeing expansion as desirable). Major themes…

Described is an experiment in which four college professors volunteered to participate as students in a university-level physics course. The procedures of the investigation and the results of this experience are discussed. Suggestions for improving physics teaching are included. (CW)

Described is an experiment in which four college professors volunteered to participate as students in a university-level physics course from the perspective of one of the professor participants. Suggestions for improving physics instruction are included. (CW)

Conducted naturalistic study to capture through "thick description" the perceptions, actions, and behaviors of seven returning female students from their own perspective. Examined the importance of goal; mattering and caring issues; issues of proper treatment; adjustment process; relational issues; and capitalizing on the abilities of this special…

Gathering qualitative data on ethnic elders through different kinds of interviews (conversational, guided, and standardized open ended) raises certain questions about using native-speaking interviewers, translators, or bilingual researchers and ensuring that interviewers understand the cultural context. (SK)

Cross-cultural evaluation of a community-based rehabilitation project in Indonesia used three methods: focus groups, questionnaires, and key informant interviews. A continuous cyclical approach to data collection and concern for cultural sensitivity increased the rigor of the research. (SK)

Considers, in a special issue on the topic, criteria for the admissibility of evidence in communication research and how methodology affects what is considered to be evidence. Suggests four principles of rigor which should be used to judge the admissibility of "textual" (i.e., qualitative) evidence. (SR)

Discusses (in a special issue on the topic of criteria for the admissibility of evidence) conversation analysis (CA): its basic concerns and commitments, its impatience with discussions about evidence rather than inspecting actual data, and selected notable impacts and debatable issues engendered by CA. (SR)

Introduces the basic concepts of chaos theory and chaos modeling. Relates chaos theory to qualitative research and factor analysis. Describes some current research in education and psychology using chaos theory. Claims that the philosophical implications of chaos theory have been misapplied in practical terms. (KS)

A qualitative study which examined the effects on their families of children with an intellectual disability identified the following core themes: source of joy and happiness, increased sense of purpose and priorities, expanded personal and social networks and community involvement, increased spirituality, source of family unity and closeness,…

Examines the paradox of case studies' abilities to understand the complexity in particular contexts while not being generalizable. Argues that the pressure for quantification and multisite case study design in policy research has weakened the original utility of the case study method for understanding complex educational phenomena. (DSK)

Investigates lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) doctoral students' mentoring relationships with faculty in counseling psychology. Data from interviews with 14 LGB participants were analyzed. Results show two contextual-specific LGB themes that helped shape three themes regarding LGB students' experience of mentoring relationships. Presents seven…

Consensual qualitative research examines the impact of chance events on career choices and the contextual factors surrounding them. Results suggest that chance events affected career choices most often by changing women's paths altogether or by altering their self-concepts. Internal characteristics and external factors helped women take advantage…

Critically analyzes some of the ways in which human subjectivity and agency are constructed in the contemporary discourse of environmental-education research. Suggests that methods of constructivist science-education research are not applicable to either subjects or subject matters of environmental education, and poststructuralist methodologies…