Reviews and critiques the ethnic preference research that views minorities' own-group preference behavior as indicative of self-esteem and identity achievement. The assumption that own-group preference is ideal, normative, or healthy is called into question; and an alternative conceptualization is presented that considers age and maturity of the…

Analyzes the judgment calls, changing research philosophy, and methodology of a researcher trained within a noninterventionist model as the individual moves into participatory research. Argues that the nature of doctoral research shapes the research experience and raises issues concerning power in academe and the way that research questions are…

Stresses the need for outcome data on speech/language intervention in the schools and identifies obstacles and advantages to collecting outcome data in the school setting. Problems and solutions particular to the educational setting in the conduct of outcome studies are described. (DB)

Participant observers conducting research among other cultures must use what is learned without betraying the confidence of those with whom they interact. Two Native American examples illustrate how current protocols are insufficient in cross-cultural situations. Recommendations include negotiating responsibilities before seeking consent,…

Argues that the usefulness of strictly quantitative research is still questioned in educational studies, primarily due to deficiencies in methodological training. Uses a critique of a recent study by Heitmeyer et al. (1995) to illustrate the requirements of "good" empirical research. Considers the problems of hypothesis testing in field research.…

Mountains of data over 10 years show that the educational sky is not falling. This article deplores critics' disregard of the Sandia Report, American policymakers' test-craziness and education/economic productivity obsessions, the overrated "Texas Miracle," National Education Goals, and weighty student backpacks. (MLH)

Reviews and discusses definitions of risk for disabilities and methods for predicting risk. Maintains that longitudinal and other types of studies have been used to resolve the difficulties in defining, identifying, and prioritizing at-risk children. Discusses the use of developmental epidemiological methods as an effective way to identify…

Discusses problems in research investigating Web-based instruction (WBI) and describes a study of university freshmen that used a single-source method to test the impact of WBI on learning. Examines computer software log files and discusses results of multiple regression analyses that show use of relevant Web content does improve learning.…

Responds to a critique of "The Small ICF/MR Program: Dimensions of Quality and Cost" (Conroy), that questioned the research design of the study. It emphasizes the significantly higher quality of life ratings for community living arrangements in opportunities for choice-making, integration, individualization, and other measures. (CR)

Findings from a review of 22 studies on self-efficacy beliefs of students with learning disabilities (LD) are discussed. Results suggest that in specific contexts (in the writing performance of students with specific writing difficulties, in particular) students appear to optimistically miscalibrate their self-efficacy. Methodological research…

Describes the author's difficulties in teaching students who were ethnically, culturally, and socially different from himself. Emphasizes the significance of connecting the enacted curriculum to the interests and extant knowledge of students. Suggests some implications for teaching science, enacting and appropriating science curricula, and…

This article discusses the need for the right person to ask the right questions of the right people in the right place and time to evaluate special education services for ethnically diverse groups. These requirements are discussed in the context of research evaluating services for Maori children in New Zealand. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

When she was asked to write an article on how she used quantitative research methods in her doctoral dissertation, the author eagerly jumped at the chance. Not because she is some sort of expert on the topic, but rather because she wishes someone had given her some insights into the journey she was about to embark on. Although the course work for…

Determining the potential benefits of mentoring is confounded by the lack of clarity surrounding the definition of mentoring in business and industry. Key dimensions of mentoring that are affected by the way in which mentoring is defined are explored, including prevalence, outcomes, gender and formal/informal relationships. This definitional…

Purpose: The intention of this paper is to encourage debate among ethical researchers on this very important issue. Research necessary to underpin health education and health promotion is often controversial and often involves vulnerable populations such as young people and children. It is essential that the rights of these respondents are…