Defines the theory of the Afrocentric conception, and comments on Afrocentric research methodology. The Afrocentric conception is likely to succeed if it constructs a particularist theory in contrast to cross-cultural relativism and because it relies on the methodology of the absolute rather than the comparative. (SLD)

Questions that beginning educational researchers and evaluators will have to answer are discussed concerning: (1) which intellectual tradition to select; (2) the roles of basic and theoretical inquiry; (3) qualitative and quantitative distinctions; (4) the theory-practice relationship; (5) political influences; and (6) the correct emphasis on…

Argues that introductory sociology students need to be familiar with the basics of the entire research process and able to spot simple research errors. Urges teachers to devote time to teaching research methods, assign homework, and include research methods instruction throughout the course. Recommends use of extended research examples and…

Contends that the high quality of the probability sampling used by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) is due, in large part, to procedures developed by IEA's first statistical consultant, Gilbert Peaker. Concludes that the Peaker process is a first-class sample design. (CFR)

Natural statistical models based on renewal processes for individuals' Behavior Stream are developed. For continuous observation, statistical and psychometric properties are obtained for empirical: (1) rates of behavior; (2) proportions of behavior type; (3) prevalence; and (4) event duration. Results provide a guide for design and analysis. (SLD)

Explores reasons for absence of Chicanos in rural sociology. Possible causes include (1) absence of rural-sociology support system for Chicanos; (2) social-class biases and other institutional factors limiting Chicanos' higher-education and research opportunities; and (3) subject-matter limitations and uncertain status of ethnic studies. Suggests…

An outsider to the field of deaf education questions the seeming ambiguousness in terminology, lack of scientific research, continuing controversies, and lack of definitive answers. Questions concern such issues as the difference between "Deaf" and "deaf" and the feasibility of the American Sign Language/English-as-a-Second-Language proposal.…

Surveys 32 officials of federal agencies and educational researchers to express historically grounded judgments on issues in educational research, including the poor reputation of the field. Criticisms that recur are that it does not pay off, that the community is in disarray, and that the field is politicized. (SLD)

Speculation about the state of research if metanalysis is pushed to its logical extreme (if at least 1 metanalysis had been conducted on every independent, dependent, and mediating variable for which at least 2 independent effect sizes could be computed) yields 10 effects that could be expected. (SLD)

Addresses three issues concerning the assessment of the overrating and underrating of academic competence: (1) the impossibility of separating effects of overrating and underrating from effects of perceived and actual competence; (2) the questionable validity of Connell and Ilardi's method; and (3) the proposal of a new method and its implications…

Submits that interinstitutional research in mass communication exhibits complex, interrelated problems regarding tactics, sampling, data reliability, and causality. Confronts difficulties and suggests ways to deal with them. Draws on storytelling and cognitive aesthetics to broaden the criteria for judging research. Encourages ambitious…

Discussed are research methods as applied to research in the mathematics classroom. Included in the discussion are objectivity, development, evaluation, observation, reflection, research design and methods, and data reduction. (CW)

This article provides a critical review of the literature on mentoring. It emphasizes the links between mentoring and undergraduate academic success and focuses on higher education and the extension of mentoring into undergraduate education. Issues of definition and the different perspectives that could be used in future research are explored.…

Japanese higher education functions primarily as a filter to certify students for entry into corporations or government. Scientific inquiry and professors' ability to produce knowledge, especially in the social sciences, are severely restricted by utilitarian conceptions of higher education. Nevertheless, some individual scientists linked to…

H.H. Spitz argues that interesting results from the preschool intervention of the Abecedarian Project continue to be disregarded. C.T. Ramey reiterates his earlier objections to Spitz's conclusions, and H.H. Spitz rejoins with specific objections to Ramey. (SLD)