Offers a theoretical distinction between self-concept and self-esteem (the former as descriptive and the latter as valuative) and suggests the implications of such differentiation. (MP)

Describes problems resulting from certain uses of research in practical situations that indicate that reading educators should be cautious about how they use the findings of research in teaching. (MKM)

The article illustrates a method to estimate changes in the statistical power of a study which are caused by changes in the reliability of the dependent variable. (Author)

The article discusses whether research conducted as proposed on human beings may interfere with their human rights and values. (Author/DLS)

Provides a perspective of the literature reviewed by Calfee and Drum by discussing the reasons why and the conditions under which researchers and practitioners must better inform each other about their respective work. (Author)

The author contends that the current evidence for an attentional deficit explanation of learning disability must be evaluated cautiously. (Author/CL)

Recommends that when repeated-measures Latin-square designs are used to counterbalance treatments across a procedural variable or to reduce the number of treatment combinations given to each participant, effects be analyzed statistically, and that in all uses, researchers consider alternative interpretations of the variance associated with the…

Yorks et al. present a case study of participant observation in an Action Reflection Learning program, labeling researchers as sophisticated barbarians because they have knowledge to ask questions but their distance from the culture might make some questions "barbaric." Baldwin's reaction describes additional challenges beyond boundary…

Suggests that, with the waning influence of Piaget and shortcomings of information-processing perspectives of cognitive growth, cognitive developmentalists lack a metatheory to guide their research. Posits developmental biology as metatheory for cognitive development. Introduces basic principles of evolutionary psychology, and examples of…

Some concerns about the use and reporting of coefficient alpha are addressed. It is also shown that alpha is not a measure of homogeneity or unidimensionality. Four ways in which researchers use of alpha can convey inaccurate information or a lack of understanding are reviewed. (SLD)

The value of qualitative research is often tempered by inappropriate use of methods and findings. Ways to enhance its utility include improving practice and critique, conducting secondary data analyses and qualitative metasyntheses, and finding valid, innovative ways to re-present findings. (SK)

Agrees with the power of randomized clinical trials, but makes the case that random assignment raises other, unanticipated threats to internal validity as a result of failing to consider treatment preference in research participant behavior. Reviews benefits and limitations of research strategies that augment randomization while respecting…

Examined participation of elderly people in research. Compared to subjects refusing consent, subjects signing consent had significantly more positive feelings about being used as subject; giving urine; giving blood; having physical examination; being interviewed; taking intelligence test; answering questions; being subject to help others; finding…

Research interest groups may be a desirable option for individuals in nursing education and service who have not previously conducted research in a particular clinical area. Team efforts are part of the growing attention now being paid to balancing individual and collective interests. (Author/JOW)

Questions assumptions that process variables have fixed meanings, discretely contribute to outcomes, and have a decontextualized net worth, evaluated by their correlations with outcomes. Suggests conceptual framework that integrates theory-driven and discovery-oriented strategies into cyclical, ecologically oriented model. (Author/NB)