Contemporary research models are becoming increasingly transdisciplinary (TD), multilevel, community-connected, and bent on expediting the movement of research to impact. This requires not only fresh thinking about the science of social work but an educational architecture that fosters both cross-disciplinary understanding of complex underlying…

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of conducting ethnographic research. Methodology definition and key characteristics are given. The stages of the research process are described including preparation, data gathering and recording, and analysis. Important issues such as reliability and validity are also discussed.

A disconnect exists between teaching and research; and it has become easy, if not automatic, for K-12 teachers to be enthusiastic about teaching and less supportive of research. As a student teacher, the first author found herself adopting the stereotype that research is associated with the sciences and is less pertinent to K-12 education. She…

Advises ways of using empirical research methodology in the classroom to nurture sustained, motivated, careful reading of literature. (RL)

Intended for high school students, this guide for writing the research paper consists of three parts. The first part deals with the research process and includes seven steps: choosing and limiting a topic, finding and examining materials, making bibliography cards, notetaking, writing the outline and paper, using footnotes and endnotes, and typing…

This study guide provides an overview and model of business research. First, introductory material defines research and discusses the benefits of studying business research methods for both producers and consumers of research. In the next section different types of research are discussed, including experimental, ex post facto, quasi-experimental,…

This report evaluates the success of a student project at a community mental health center both in terms of the reasons for client attrition and in terms of the difficulties of doing field research. The administration of the project was conducted by a class of 17 undergraduate psychology students. The subjects qualifying as dropouts were people…

When she was asked to write an article on how she used quantitative research methods in her doctoral dissertation, the author eagerly jumped at the chance. Not because she is some sort of expert on the topic, but rather because she wishes someone had given her some insights into the journey she was about to embark on. Although the course work for…

Addresses some of the practicalities in doing a senior paper on sexual geographies (gay neighborhoods, heterosexual clubs, women's work areas), from choosing a topic to selecting a relevant methodological framework. Considers ethical issues inherent in the independent research including confidentiality and objectivity. Briefly reviews recent…

Discusses the partnership that exists between a zoo and a college in the linking of research and teaching in undergraduate education for the preparation of future scientists. Lists zoo-related projects conducted by various fields of study. States that this type of relationship promotes student interest in science. (RT)

This paper presents an analysis of research on women in educational administration, identifying the issues which have been treated, examining the methodological perspectives of the research, determining the quality of the research, and formulating a paradigm for future research on women in education. One hundred fourteen doctoral dissertations on…

Discusses the implications raised by incorporating a feminist perspective into various stages and methodologies of student projects. These include choice of topic, choice of research methods, emancipatory role of the project, dilemmas experienced during fieldwork, and interpretive and writing styles used during the research process. (MJP)

Describes a six-week project culminating in a student-designed exit survey for graduating seniors. Exit surveys assess a department's strengths and weaknesses in curricula, instruction, and advising. Discusses the students' design and implementation of the survey. Students felt that the project enhanced their critical thinking and research skills.…

The proceedings of this forum contain 23 papers focusing mainly on the technical aspects of institutional research. Most of the authors are institutional research officers in various colleges and universities. Part 1 contains papers on institutional research methodology. They deal with such topics as faculty load studies, enrollment projections,…