In describing several pitfalls associated with research on school and teacher effectiveness, the following aspects of effectiveness research are considered: correlation-causation relationship, controlling for background factors, statistical and practical significance, instrumentation problems, regression effects, measurement of change, nonlinear…

Reflects on some of the problems encountered in the authors' experimental approach to a study of reading comprehension. Discusses the limitations of experimental research, and presents an alternative to experimental or quantitative research, focusing on the relationship between teachers and learners as they interact in classrooms. (MM)

Examines common sources of error for scholars using mission registers to study California Indian history. Draws examples from mission register studies of the Chumash tribe to illustrate problems resulting from missing entries, name changes, linguistic errors, and cross-cultural confusion about naming taboos and kin relationships. Contains 34…

Discusses problems in research methodology inherent in studying teachers' career paths. Demonstrates the use of proportional hazards modeling to identify overlooked factors in research on teachers' career persistence other problems in educational research. (FMW)

Discusses problems of classifying racial and ethnic groups when collecting statistical data. Argues that surveys must acknowledge the great diversity of the American population and give respondents the freedom to choose the group or groups to which they belong. (FMW)

Research in the area of the instructional leadership of the school administrator is reviewed. Weaknesses in studies of instructional leadership are grouped as methodological, measurement, and conceptual problems. These problems define an agenda for improving research in the area of instructional leadership. (SLD)

Follows the development of the conceptual boundaries used in defining a case study through the stages of a research project about the development of teacher knowledge. Compares the process with the Hermeneutical Circle. (FMW)

This paper explores the evidence of a substantive paradigm shift in curriculum theory by examining the questions that have caused Elliot Eisner's radical shift from an empirical-analytical research model to a critical-theoretical one. The role of theory development and of ethics and values in research have propelled Eisner's theoretical shift. (TE)

Approaches to the practical problems of finding former offenders and making them want to participate in a study are described for a study of desistance from crime. In the example, a success rate of 78% was achieved for a sample of 50 former offenders. Attention to individual circumstances is critical. (SLD)

This survey of nine journals identified two distinct cultures in mental retardation research: classification by level of retardation (usually by psychologists and special educators) or etiology (usually by geneticists and psychiatric researchers). The paper discusses varied effects that genetic etiology may have on behavior, issues in reconciling…

Suggests that neoclassical economics has dominated educational planning and policy analysis for 20 years, despite ongoing economics debates generating different positions on planning issues. Considers the views of radical and institutionalist economists and implications for educational planning. Questions both the validity of the efficiency…

Asserts that conducting an organizational survey efficiently and effectively requires detailed planning. Provides an outline of the general steps common to organizational surveys but cautions that the process cannot be covered fully in a brief article. Presents a five-phase process and discusses common problems and pitfalls. (CFR)

Criticizes data analysis and interpretation in "The Bell Curve:" Herrnstein and Murray do not actually study the "cognitive elite"; do not control for education when examining effects of cognitive ability on occupational outcomes, ignore, cultural diversity within broad ethnic groups (Asian Americans, Latinos), ignore gender…

Methodological issues in geropsychological assessment research are discussed and illustrated through recent investigations. Cross-sectional studies are needed to extend and diversify age norms, and short-term longitudinal studies should be planned to assess the predictive validity of test outcomes and diagnostic profiles of older adults. (SLD)

After reading the 12 OERI-funded study summaries, an intelligent insider could not easily grasp why educational reform is needed. Academic achievement is hardly mentioned. These studies show that the standardization and bureaucratization associated with systems strangle the creativity, collaboration, and applied intelligence necessary for school…