Identifying an area of research a topic, deciding on a problem, and formulating it in to a researchable question are very difficult stages in the whole research process at least for beginners. Few books on research methodology elaborates the various process involved in problem selection and clarification. Viewing research and problem selection as…

An experiment is deemed to be valid, inasmuch as valid cause-effect relationships are established, if the results are due only to the manipulated independent variable (possess internal validity) and are generalizable to groups, environments, and contexts outside of the experimental settings (possess external validity). Consequently, all…

The fervent debate over the last 100 years about quantitative and qualitative research paradigms has resulted in a great divide between quantitative and qualitative researchers, who often view themselves as in competition with each other. This polarization has promoted "uni-researchers," researchers who restrict themselves exclusively to either…

The epidemiological approach, as elaborated to accomodate multiple-causation of chronic disease, is suggested as appropriate for the size and the nature of the failure-to-learn problem faced by educators. The epidemiological approach begins with an examination of the health status of an area's population. Major problems are identified with respect…

In this paper the role of qualitative research in special education is examined. The implications of an earlier naturalistic study are cited, an important one being the tendency in the literature to oversimplify the naturalistic paradigm; and the case is made that implementing such a paradigm is a "labor intensive" approach to research…

Intended to evoke discussion in the research community about the research trend of the 21st century, this paper provides a broad, general definition of qualitative research that covers the many terms currently used under this heading, and discusses seven issues that the research community should address in some manner: (1) new or fad; (2) too many…

The terms "rigor" and "relevance" most often surface in discussions of methodological adequacy. Assessing epistemological relevance is equivalent to answering the question, "Is this particular research question worth asking at all?" Epistemological rigor refers to the properties of a "researchable" problem.…

Five prototypic issues derived from a dialectical perspective are proposed: relationism, evolving reciprocity, probabilism, timing, and the nonequivalent temporal metric. It is argued that these issues, while not changing the scientific method, have implications for specific procedures. (Author)

A conceptualization of generalization and its place in educational research is proposed. Problems with existing approaches to generalization include limited concepts, misleading or simplistic results, perception variance or change, and the discouragement of sensitivity due to convenience. Researchers should distinguish between conclusions which…

This paper addresses research issues and strategies with regard to studying the educational treatment of the black college athlete. The paper begins with an explanation of four intitial premises, after which problem areas are identified indicating that: for athletic students, admissions may be based primarily on athletic promise; in the high…

By focusing on concepts of power, culture, and ideology in light of new socio-cultural and anthropological interpretations with regard to their use in international, intercultural, and cross-cultural communication research, an outline for the framework of a more hermeneutic-interpretive approach to the study of communication and socio-cultural…

Traditionally research is done via the scientific method, which is quantitative; however, qualitative research is seen by some as a better way to study rural education. Advocates of the quantitative viewpoint claim that it is the only way to develop cumulative knowledge. Advocates of the qualitative method reject the "scientific" view as…

This paper provides guidlines for formally evaluating extended-day programs. Extended-day programs are defined as those attended before and after school by children between the ages of 5 and 14. A seven step evaluation process, in which the practitioner responsible for program administration plays a key role, is outlined and discussed. (Author/RH)

Investigators interested in conducting school health research face many challenges. This article focuses on an analysis of research designs and measurement issues that most frequently confront school health researchers. (Author/DF)

Many problems confront researchers who are developing appropriate methods to determine the effects of sexual abuse. Particularly serious problems arise when the victims are children who were abused while attending a day care center. Several methods for studying child sexual abuse have been recommended. This paper discusses problems researchers…