Until recently, anthropologists have had little involvement in the evaluation of social welfare and social change programs, despite the fact that such research involves not only the quantitative assessment of program results, but also analysis of informal structures and processes through which goals are formulated and results achieved. This paper…

High degrees of neighboring were related to both a high density urban environment and a lower or working class population. However, due to the strong relationship between class and environment, the individual impacts of these factors could not be untangled. (Author/AM)

Presents the results of an ethnographic study of the activities, concepts, and attitudes of the academic community responsible for teacher education. The study attempted to determine the extent to which teacher education was oriented toward the academic community as opposed to the teaching profession. (JDH)

An investigation of the naturalization experiences of Hispanics shows that factors like occupation and length of time in the United States jointly influence the decision to become naturalized. The support of knowledgeable individuals is required to guide the candidates through the mechanics of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. (VM)

A major source of confusion in educational research comes when qualitative research is regarded as if it were one approach. Qualitative research has many varieties that can be identified and understood by using the notion of research traditions. Six approaches from the social and behavioral sciences are compared. (VM)

Scientific inquiry used in special education research has limited effectiveness and applicability to practice. Three interrelated areas are discussed in the context of improving research methodology and utilization: alternative approaches to research in special education; the class distinction between teachers and researchers; and practical…

New theories and paradigms are needed for today's schools to address the changes in society that affect education. They must acknowledge the history of schooling, and they must be informed by ethnographic research on teacher-student relationships. Social science knowledge must be used to create more humanized schools. (VM)

Describes the author's research with an African hunter-gatherer society and the collection of oral life histories of its members. Discusses five questions about the uses of personal narrative such as "Can personal narrative be used as ethnography?" Concludes that no better tool exists to describe the human condition than the personal…

Describes characteristics of questions in the ethnographic interview setting. Concentrates on the relational aspects of interviewing and on the issues of assumptions, categories, and scope. Applies ideas about questioning in general to work with child informants. (Author/LHW)

If one undertakes naturalistic evaluation without formal training, there are some important considerations and sources of information to keep in mind. Labor intensive qualitative approaches are discussed in terms of field relations, data collection and analysis, and writing. (Author/LMO)

Uses two intensive case studies of teachers to examine factors precipitating changes in teacher attitude and behavior over time. Data analysis indicates that two core processes--humanization process and rationalization process--produce shifts in work perspective. Discusses implications for teacher education. (SA)

Suggests a more literal definition of "classroom management" in reference to the role of the teacher. By focusing on the three overlapping and interacting sets of responsibilities carried by the manager--to the task, to the group, and to the individual--this approach attempts to put into perspective the multiple functions played by the teacher.…

Dobbert et al defend their model of cultural transmission. In answering eight commentaries, focus is on (1) their holistic perspective on learning; (2) their desire to occupy a middle ground between ethnographic detail and generalized law; and (3) their attempt to place their holistic thesis within the ethnographic tradition. (RDN)

Examines two instances where European based folklore has made its way to Canada via immigrant storytellers, Alice Kane's "Songs and Sayings of an Ulster Childhood," and Eva Martin and Laszlo Gal's "Canadian Fairy Tales." (RBW)

Used the odd-numbered Murdock-White Standard Cross Cultural Sample to test Brown's (1963) three hypotheses on female puberty rites. Found that only matrilocal/ambilocal residence was significantly associated with female puberty rites and suggests female physiology as a better predictor. (Author/JAC)