In comparing several research and evaluation studies, the author contends that variation in outcomes may provide clues to valuable information. Five examples are used to illustrate how conflicting findings can be useful. (RLV)

The teaching-research nexus has been studied by many researchers, mainly looking at pedagogic links and direct benefits arising from the interaction of both activities. The paper takes a comparative approach, looking at the relationship between teaching and research in four universities from two different countries. This paper argues that…

Most of the variance in educational effectiveness studies is inexplicable in terms of influences that can be measured and controlled. Nevertheless, it is still possible to design educational policy that will function well under conditions of uncertainty. (Author/RLV)

Argues that "low-tech" instructional television works as well as expensive high-tech systems. Asserts that good teaching with appropriately designed and operated technology is as effective as traditional instruction and more cost effective than more technologically sophisticated delivery systems. (SK)

The articles in this issue explore the current parameters of household refuse analysis. An overview of garbage research studies is presented; research methodology, theories, and applications are examined. U.S. household refuse is compared to the discards of households in Mexico City. (RM)

The recent releases of two major international comparative studies that addressed mathematics--the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2003 (TIMSS 2003) and the Program for International Student Assessment 2003 (PISA 2003)--provide opportunities and challenges for mathematics education researchers interested in using the…

Noting that there are signs of a relaxation in the long tension caused by the methodological "cold war" between quantitative and qualitative research proponents, this paper points to communications research as one area where the trend is developing. Placing communications studies in the framework of current public attitudes toward…

Using the 1995 National Research Council ratings of doctoral programs in 41 fields, a statistical methodology is offered for assessing how measures of program size, faculty seniority, faculty research productivity, and faculty productivity in producing doctoral degrees influenced raters' decisions. Then using data for one field, economics,…

In order to contribute to the refinement of methods for assessing the adequacy of program implementation, this study investigated data collection efforts made during the implementation of ALERTA, a bilingual, multicultural preschool curriculum model. Comparisons of results are made with those of previously conducted studies of program…

Suggests a procedure whereby educational administrators can peruse comparative studies that may help them understand their own problems, suggest alternative solutions, or identify factors unique to their system. Two examples of review studies explore the problem of system specificity and the usefulness of comparative studies. (MLF)

Research may be divided into two types, "empowering" research and "academic" research. Empowering research seeks to determine how a particular individual or organization can produce a desired result, while academic research is concerned with why a particular condition exists. While academic research might ask "Why do students drop out of school?"…

This study examined the nature and chronological spread of references used by English-speaking scholars writing monographs on foreign literary topics, and compared the findings to an earlier study of the monographic literature of English and American literature and the humanities journal literature. Implications for research library collections…

Reviews recent and current research and development projects in the United Kingdom dealing with online information systems. Main areas of research (systems design, impact on user behavior and organizational structure, ergonomics and bibliographic factors) and research techniques (features analysis, transaction log analysis, surveys and comparative…

Brief analyses are provided of presentations made at a conference, held at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, which addressed questions and answers relating to research and education. Conference sessions explored the role of research in relation to educational practices with special focus on theory, research, issues and application.…

The Arab states have come to realize the significance of nonformal education and its importance in achieving economic and social development. At present, however, support given by formal education for nonformal methods of education is minimal. In each of the Arab countries there exist many different kinds of nonformal education programs, all of…