The biasing effects of a pretest on subsequent post-test results were investigated in two experimental studies. In general, the results argue for using designs without pretests. (Author/JKS)

Summarizes studies which include student gender as a variable in economics test performance and examines the effect of gender on understanding and learning economics. Discusses gender differences in the effectiveness of alternative teaching techniques and in the enjoyment of and interest in economics. (KC)

The board that advises the Secretary of HEW on ethics has given a qualified approval for further review of federal funding for research on human embryos conceived in the laboratory. Issues and concerns that influenced the board's decision are addressed. (JMD)

Describes ongoing conflicts between researchers and Native American communities, especially between the rights of scientific research and those of Native American tribes over their cultural heritage. Presents steps that several tribes have taken to ensure their intellectual property rights. Discusses key elements for developing sound research…

Examines school readiness practices, along with the conceptual problems with the ways that "readiness" and "at risk" are defined. Analyzes methodological problems, delayed school entrance, and focuses on studies that examined future school retention rates, later use of special education services, and drop-out rates. Offers suggestions for best…

Describes higher education's neglect in dealing with contextually relevant issues in its research about Indian education, such as Indian/White relations. (13 references) (YKH)

Examines methodological issues in conducting research with at-risk youth across cultures. A case study is used to illustrate key methodological issues and explore where conventional methodology may not be applicable to cross-cultural research with at-risk youth. Recommendations are made to address some of the methodological challenges. (Author)

The terms "Asian" and "Pacific Islanders" capture diverse historical relationships and a powerful cultural/linguistic diversity. Many Asian-Pacific Americans have succeeded despite monumental prejudices and obstacles, including the "model minority" myth promoted by conservatives to limit affirmative action. Chin's…

Questions the validity of much current educational research in Great Britain, suggesting that researchers lose sight of the "educational" in search of the "fundable." Offers examples of how education is missing from the purposes and language of research into "effective schools" and into the "learning…

Analyzed data from two data sets in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health Wave I to identify discrepancies between in-school questionnaire and in-home interview results. Identified a group of "jokester" adolescents likely to have identified themselves as adoptees, when they were not. Found evidence suggesting that this…

Reviews major perspectives through which social exclusion has been examined in developmental and social psychological research and examines their limitations. Maintains that Killen et al.'s findings raise questions about attempts to account for social exclusion solely in terms of broad variables, such as prejudice, and point to the importance of…

Reviews methodological problems of previous research on male perpetrators of sexual violence. Discusses the need for a rigorous methodology in defining the extent of the problem. Proposes an aggressive new research agenda that would examine men's prosocial behavior. (KW)

A critical issue is restoring education's central role--preparing people to live in a democracy, not a "government-industrial complex." Education should not be a training ground for business and industry. Common schools should be championed, not demeaned. Choice and charter school options must be more objectively evaluated. Better…

Provides an overview of ethical issues related to social research with children. Sets discussion in context of current debates in Britain and explores extent to which children should be regarded as similar to or different from adults, particularly children's supposed position as vulnerable, incompetent, and relatively powerless in society. Offers…

Criticizes methodological tendencies of economics and sociological researchers who do not ask "how large is large?" Reliance on statistical significance and existence theorems shows the limits of formalistic rather than humanistic research approaches. Argues that serious scholars develop whole arguments and understand the rhetoric of…