A longitudinal multimethod intervention project studying the relationship between work stress and health combined qualitative and quantitative techniques such as semistructured individual and focus group interviews, field tests, and surveys. The multifaceted approach strengthened the research process and confidence in the outcomes of needs…

Examines the principal's role in school restructuring using essential school precepts. Based on qualitative data from a 2.5-year longitudinal study, results indicate that principals must assume a more inclusive, prominent role in restructuring efforts. The Coalition of Essential Schools' metaphor "student as worker, teacher as coach"…

Considers the phenomenological arguments for collaborative approaches to educational research. Urges that cooperation become a form of social and political critique. Illustrates the political context of research by drawing on a collaborative case study of British school governors. Contends that phenomenological and critical paradigms may be…

Discussed are the implications of the three main stages of conceptual change--"awareness, disequilibrium, and reformulating"--on misconceptions of grade 10 students in Israel. The difficulties and problems encountered with the procedure are included. (KR)

Twelve students (ages 13-18) who attended a Purdue University (Indiana) summer residential program for gifted students for at least 3 years were interviewed, along with their parents, concerning their views on the programs. Students appreciated the challenging coursework, teacher quality, living on a university campus, making friends, and gaining…

Discusses the original rationale for special exemptions from formal ethical oversight for educational research and examines varieties of qualitative educational research consistent with it. Formal ethical oversight of student-research practice is also discussed. Policies are offered to determine which variety should qualify for special exemptions.…

Discusses important factors to consider before deciding on hardware or software to use in building qualitative databases. Examines using the computer to store and retrieve text, store and retrieve graphics, analyze text, analyze graphic materials, distribute data stored on one machine to others, allow researchers access to data from remote sites,…

Elementary school teachers (n=68) rated 374 students on aspects of motivation for reading. Qualitative and quantitative results show that teachers perceive higher achievers to be relatively higher in intrinsic reading motivation (individual and topical) than in extrinsic reading motivation (activity-based and autonomy-supported), with lower…

A qualitative study of 10 mothers who received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome and chose to continue their pregnancy examined how the diagnosis was presented, the decision to continue the pregnancy, and the mothers' experiences with professionals from diagnosis to delivery. Mothers' suggestions to others facing the same challenges and to…

Adopted a qualitative research method to understand participants' self-efficacy phenomena in their English-as-a-Second-Language learning. The study also used quantitative research to examine the essences underlying participants'self-efficacy and their relationship with participants' achievements. (Author/VWL)

Examines, using qualitative methods, targeted fourth-grade at-risk children in a culturally diverse elementary school in a mid-sized city in the southwestern United States. Describes the nature of social interactions within the context of tutorial sessions. Identifies common characteristics of highly effective tutors in their interactions with…

Argues that researchers must adopt different personas when looking for research support and when researching: one demands business skills, the other requires interpersonal skills. Discusses issues associated with identifying and securing grant money, and aspects of doing qualitative research. Suggests future problems of compatibility between…

Describes a course about interpretive research methods. Argues that the course is different than many methods courses in that it does not ask students to conduct field research, but rather, to read ethnography and focus on why ethnographers do what they do. Considers a unit about validity in detail. (DSK)

Responds to commentaries about the author's article "Teaching about Validity." Links these commentaries and the original article to suggestions for curriculum design in teaching about qualitative research methods. Discusses the idea of "meaning making" as a possible way to integrate the approaches described in the commentaries and original…

Examines unexpected challenges based on differing understandings and values about what counts as research in teacher-researcher collaboration. Focuses on two challenges: defining and legitimating nonquantitative research; and intermingling roles and responsibilities of "researcher" and "teacher." Shows how key material…