The research literature on measurement problems with such outcome variables as student on-task behavior, classroom disruption, and academic performance is examined. Focus is on how the problems relate to understanding the interrelationships among these common intervention targets. (TJH)

Areas of need in educational research are discussed: (1) assessment of student achievement; (2) necessary content area skills; (3) traits of outstanding teachers; (4) how to teach higher order thinking skills; (5) effective computer use; (6) skills to enhance worker productivity; (7) sound investments for education; (8) effective methods of…

Research is reviewed on the interaction patterns of individuals using augmentative and alternative communication systems. Major findings and limitations of interaction studies are highlighted, focusing on methodological approaches, subjects, partners, contexts and sampling procedures, and measures and data analyses. Directions for future research…

Discusses the relationship between research in writing (i.e., research in "composition" or "rhetoric and composition") and English departments. Attempts to clarify writing research, asserting that English departments do not understand or approve of this type of research. (MM)

In response to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," this counterpoint addresses the role of basic versus applied research, limitations of the procedure proposed by Swanson for establishing external validity and proving the metatheory, and limitations of metatheoretical research with regard to developing…

In rebuttal to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," this article emphasizes that a bias toward applied research in learning disabilities is appropriate, that explanatory theories may not provide control over the phenomena explained, and that the field's orientation toward social consensus rather than…

This response to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," argues that the field's development from social consensus has positive consequences and that the field is a "prenormal' science. A megatheory is suggested, incorporating metatheoretical aspects of the learning-disabled's information processing…

Reviews research conducted to determine if learning to program in Logo has a positive effect on other aspects of thinking, based on Seymour Papert's findings on Logo. The appropriateness of research on Logo and programming is discussed, and research studies involving elementary and secondary school children are briefly described. (LRW)

Emphasizes necessity of reconsideration of adolescent development, for these reasons: the view of childhood has changed; females have not been systematically studied; theories of cognitive development favor mathematical and scientific thinking over the humanities; and because the psychology of adolescence is anchored in separation and independence…

This study was designed to investigate Nigerian elementary teachers' apathy towards use of equipment in instruction and to verify possible links with technophobia. Subjects demonstrated lack of knowledge of educational technology and only slight traces of technophobia. It was suggested that teachers should receive rigorous training in educational…

Discusses how, for several decades, historians and rhetorical scholars have been criticized for their preoccupation with facts, lack of method, theory, analytical rigor, and objectivity; failure to exploit statistical procedures; and wretched writing. A list of remedial works is included. (JD)

Huggins' report lacks serious data collection on college Black Studies Departments, omits the strongest ones, fails to record their history accurately, and does not assess the research achievements of its scholars. Huggins overlooks the importance of applying an Afro-centric perspective to phenomena related to people of African descent. (PS)

In preparation for a National Research Council study updating Gunnar Myrdal's 1944 study, "An American Dilemma," the article discusses the following: (1) history and thrust of the original work; (2) effect of the type of questions to be raised; (3) effect of approach on results; (4) necessity for new view of the gap between the races.…

The article examines: (1) the relationship between group membership and the production of knowledge; (2) comparative versus non-comparative research; and (3) the structure of data interpretation for Afro-Americans versus Euro-Americans. At issue is the lack of blacks involved in the National Research Council's study of blacks. (PS)

The National Research Council's study on the status of black Americans risks enhancing negative policy attitudes towards the black community for the following reasons: (1) its perspective, choice of explanatory variables, and analysis will reflect a majority perspective and conservative viewpoint; (2) it lacks focus; and (3) it is concerned with…