Typically, applied social research is of much lower quality than one would like to see in light of its importance in social policy formation. It is conducted by social scientists who are not yet rewarded by high standing, and the end results are often irrelevant to the ongoing policy formation process. (Author/CTM)

Distortion and selective disclosure limit data that are available to program evaluators, producing a bias that tends to maintain the status quo. Paradoxically, attempts to objectify the data only increase the potential for distortion. Ironically, one way to encourage innovation may be to not measure it. Additional solutions are suggested.…

Major concerns about conducting research in American Indian Communities are reviewed and discussed. Examples of three research projects conducted with Indian communities are summarized, and procedures found to be sensitive to the cultural milieu of the community are examined. (Author)

Behavioral objectives should be regarded as one of several tools available to educators. Research should be directed toward determining their advantages and limitations, as well as the conditions under which they can be used more effectively. Conditions vary depending upon student awareness of and interest in stated objectives; clarity,…

Describes an experiment utilizing the Solvay synthesis of sodium hydrogen carbonate to teach students to organize and plan a synthesis procedure. (SL)

Discusses basic weaknesses and limitations of models, simulations, gaming, and other analytical and behavioral approaches to simplifying reality for understanding. The development and use of scenarios and the model builder's basic conceptions of the aspects of reality being analyzed are described for a one-person, computer-interactive, quasi-rigid…

Presents a parent's perspective that educational research projects in the public schools are potentially dangerous to children because of the risks of invasion of privacy, overtesting, labeling, and disruption of routine. (AV)

Four projects aimed at evaluating the technical quality of recent summative evaluations are discussed, and models of metaevaluation are presented. Common technical problems are identified and practical methods for solving these problems are outlined, but these methods are limited by the current state of the art. (Author/CTM)

The author discusses the need for research on integrating handicapped students into regular vocational programs at the postsecondary level and offers suggestions for educational researchers on selecting and developing specific research issues and programs. (MF)

Methodological issues and research results pertaining to the assessment of rehabilitation counselor performance are discussed. The lack of knowledge regarding the structure of the rehabilitation process and relationships between counseling behaviors and client outcome leads to the conclusion that counselor-assessment data should only be used for…

Self-help groups provide help and support for members in dealing with their problems and improving their psychological function and effectiveness. This paper focuses on the multitude of technical issues surrounding the evaluation of the effectiveness or outcome of self-help groups, especially what, when, and whom to measure. (Author/JEL)

Discusses an emerging body of psychological literature by black behavioral scientists assumed to represent a radical departure in its conceptual orientation from the social pathology tradition advanced primarily by white behavioral scientists; and focuses on the construct of Self-Extension Orientation, a dynamic process which is assumed to…

Authors of the Wilms study on the effectiveness of public and proprietary vocational training respond to critical analysis of their report and call for new research studies to build on their research and corroborate or refute their findings. (Editor/JT)

Major changes in the methods and contents of research are needed. Promising trends in the design and conduct of studies include: (a) macroscopic rather than microscopic levels of study; (b) field rather than laboratory studies; (c) focusing on the total individual; (d) developing a contractual relationship between researcher and subject. (Author)

Reviews the history, content, and trends in geography teaching and research in Ireland from the 19th century to the present. All educational levels and geographical societies are described. In the past, Irish geographic education had significant influences abroad; however, its recent development has been affected by external factors. (Author/AV)