In this commentary, the author argues that there is a considerable degree of similarity between research in the hard sciences and education and that this provides a useful lens for thinking about what constitutes "rigorous" and "scientific" education research. He suggests that the fundamental property of hard science research…

Current psychological research data do not support the Social Security Administration's (SSA) decision regarding eligibility for psychiatric disability benefits. Structured work evaluation--a procedure allowed but not endorsed by SSA policies--is the best predictor of a person's ability to work. (CMG)

If they are to develop more effective social intervention strategies, social scientists must pay attention to social causality in their research. This will lead to more credibility for the social sciences and more support for research funds. Social causality is defined as a social process that produces a change in some dependent variable. It…

Research-based technologies for solving problems currently exist but are not being widely implemented. Although user variables, program effectiveness, and political considerations have been documented as correlates of implementation, general non-implementation of the technology still exists, due to a lack of methods. A technology of dissemination…

Three types of macro-level variables for program analysis--cultural, economic and demographic--provide a context for evaluation and offer alternative explanations for program success or failure. The problems of causality and availability of data, as well as the usefulness of macro variables in meta evaluation are discussed. (Author/CM)

Suggests incorporating into practice those findings that emerge repeatedly in different foster care studies. Identifies four characteristics of children that have been linked to particular outcomes: age at time of placement, contact with biological family, length of time in care, and behavior problems. Shows how incorporation of these factors into…