In this commentary, we argue that literacy research would be more productive if researchers had a clearer, more nuanced understanding of theory. Specifically, we argue that theory in a practice-oriented field is most fundamentally productive when it provides instrumental guidance for literacy beyond academic understanding about literacy. Premises…

The authors are grateful for this opportunity to respond to Robbins's and Turner's review of "Functional Family Therapy (FFT) for Behavior Disordered Youth Aged 10-18: An Overview of Reviews" (Weisman & Montgomery, 2018). It may be helpful to ensure that a few key points have been clarified to enable this process. In their paper,…

Weisman and Montgomery completed an overview of reviews to evaluate the status of research concerning functional family therapy (FFT). Despite reporting modest effects on delinquency, substance use, and secondary outcomes, the authors conclude that the research base supporting FFT is tenuous and that it "may not be advisable to continue…

The term "arts-based research" has been debated for some time now. In an article strongly in favor of this approach Bean (2007) identifies three species: "Research on the arts (italics in the original) (art history, visual and cultural studies, media studies etc.)...Research for the arts, refers to research into applied techniques, materials and…

Without acknowledging the privileged position from which physicians conduct research, their inquiry into nursing practice can lead only to a "physician" interpretation of nursing that is likely to be inaccurate and inadequate. (Author/SK)

Finds study by Gallagher et al. to be both predictable and provocative. Suggests that authors do not quite reflect a sufficient understanding of the dynamics of rule-making to support their recommendations regarding application of early childhood research in regulation. (HTH)

Recent years have been marked by a decline in the quantity and quality of small group research for four reasons: (1) the experimenter is an integral component of the system he or she is studying and thereby influences the findings, (2) layers of group process defy complete analysis, (3) small group research is reflexive, and (4) much of the…

Offers a reassessment of the feasibility, even given "ideal" conditions, of conducting relevant research on the dynamics that take place in self-help groups. Examines kinds of changes, group methods, group members, group leaders, and environmental conditions. (Author/ABB)

University management is needed that is sensitive to the need for diversity; encourages autonomy among researchers; can communicate across the developing gap between management and researchers; and encourages both central, established research projects and more peripheral, exploratory ones. (Author/MSE)

Whether university research can be organized and, if so, what organizational measures can be taken to make university research efficient is discussed. It is concluded that a university researcher requires freedom of action for his/her research work and the mass university must shrink to a university for the elite. (Author/MLW)

Presents a senior British academic's perspectives on geography's major concerns, priorities, and objectives. Topics include: geography as a discipline; structure and divisions of academic labor; teaching versus research; and future transformations. (TRS)

The conclusion that differences in achievement in mathematics between males and females has a genetic basis is seen as based on a number of faulty assumptions. Concern about recent research that can lead to social damage when misquoted and misinterpreted is expressed. (MP)

Describes three major categories of polarities in research attitudes and practices: (1) attitudes about research and who should conduct it, (2) impressions of what research is, and (3) conceptions about research methods and findings. Calls for moderating the polarizations for a more balanced view and more productive business communication…

Discusses areas of disagreement with Park and Green's assertion that legal and scientific assessments of the success of transracial adoptions follow a Eurocentric bias. Considers issues of limitations in adoption research, the need for research to support cases against transracial adoption, Africentrism, and models for assessing transracially…

This document is about a learning community created by two Mesa Community College faculty members. Their initial goal for creating the center was to improve student learning, deepen the relationship between faculty and students, etc. The program has a service-learning requirement that was implemented with the goal of preparing students to become…