This paper discusses the problems and benefits of conducting research in a small institution. Problems related to personnel, finances, expertise, and credibility, and advantages such as communication and cooperation are described. The University of Lethbridge has created a common data-gathering system, QAULTEP (Qualitative Analysis of the…

THE MANY ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE RECENT EMPHASIS UPON IMPROVING EDUCATION SHOULD CONCERN THE MAJOR PROBLEMS, RESEARCH TOPICS, AND PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED THROUGH A SUGGESTED SYSTEM OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION BOOKKEEPING IN WHICH RESULTS ARE REVIEWED BY APPROPRIATE STAFF AND RESOURCE PERSONNEL FROM BUSINESS, INDUSTRY, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES.…

SOME COMMON FLAWS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH DESIGN WERE ANALYZED ON THE BASIS OF A STUDY BY DR. GERALD SMITH OF 1,091 UNSUCCESSFUL RESEARCH PROPOSALS. THE FOLLOWING INADEQUACIES ARE DISCUSSED-- (1) THE LACK OF SPECIFICITY IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE RESEARCH DESIGN, (2) THE NON-DELIMITED PROBLEM, (3) THE LACK OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FROM WHICH TO…

A 1964 SUMMER CONFERENCE WAS HELD TO INFORM PROJECT DIRECTORS OF INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH CENTERS ABOUT INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS IN FIRST-GRADE READING INSTRUCTION. IT WAS DESIGNED TO PRODUCE AWARENESS OF THE PROJECTS, TO GAIN AGREEMENT AND UNIFORMITY IN RESEARCH EFFORTS, TO APPRAISE RESEARCH DESIGNS, AND TO EXPLORE FURTHER PARTICIPATION IN…

A RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY WAS CONDUCTED (1) TO NARROW AND BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN EXISTING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN SCHOOL PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION AND (2) TO IDENTIFY NEEDED RESEARCH. THE 6-DAY SEMINAR, WHICH WAS CONDUCTED IN NOVEMBER 1964 FOR 30 PARTICIPANTS SERVED AS THE VEHICLE FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE OBJECTIVES. FIVE MAJOR AREAS OF…

This final segment of a series of studies to ascertain the degree to which visually impaired persons use the Library of Congress National Library Service for the blind and physically handicapped (NLS) examines the methodologies involved in conducting the studies, as well as the problems associated with those methodologies. Chapters explore the…

Two questions were examined in this study: (1) Do symbolic interaction and social learning processes independently contribute to adolescents' self-esteem? and (2) If they do, what is the relative magnitude of their contribution? Data for the investigation were gathered through self-report questionnaires. Fourteen to 18-year-old adolescents, and…

The organization of data at the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is undergoing a significant transition from a system designed only for national assessment purposes to one designed both for assessment and a variety of academic research interests. The advent of NAEP public-use data files opens up many possibilities for those who…

This paper presents an ethnographic analysis of a controversial research project, the Putaney Study, as an argument for the involvement of anthropologists in research that is perceived to be potentially controversial. A research team from Putaney University initiated a research project to document the fertility attitudes and practices of 600…

The study of knowledge production and utilization deals with the problems of how to translate theoretical concepts and knowledge into practical solutions to people's problems. Many criticisms have been leveled at aspects of previous information system models, including their linearity, one-way communication paths, overdependence on scientific…

The selection of appropriate data sources for institutional research is discussed. It is suggested that the provision of timely, accurate information for administrative decision-making depends on the researcher's ability to determine which data are relevant to the problem. This is of particular concern for institutional researchers because they…

This paper provides a summary of a baseline study of Canadian child welfare services from 1959 to 1977. The nation-wide study relates main trends in the services to a background of demographic, social, legislative and organizational change. Progress of the research project is outlined to illustrate some of the constraints on research in Canada at…

Noting the limitations of recent word recognition research, this paper suggests ways that these limitations might be overcome and then extends these suggestions into a framework for distinguishing between good and poor readers' ability to comprehend words. The paper begins by reviewing the major models of word recognition and discussing their…

THIS PAPER HAS TWO PURPOSES--(1) TO PRESENT A SUMMARY ANALYSIS OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY REGARDING RESEARCH REQUESTS IN 15 BIG CITY SCHOOLS AND SOME COMMENTARY ON THE PROCESSING OF SUCH REQUESTS AND (2) TO MAKE THEORETICAL SPECULATIONS REGARDING CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS IN LARGE SCHOOL SYSTEMS WHICH OPERATE AS RESEARCH RESTRAINTS. IT IS…

Some of the problems and techniques involved in manpower forecasting are discussed. This non-technical introduction to the field aims at reducing fears of data manipulation methods and at increasing respect for conceptual, logical, and analytical issues. The major approaches to manpower forecasting are explicated and evaluated under the headings:…