In this paper, problems with the philosophy and research relating to various interpretations of 'closing the gap' are used to open up a discussion of, and illustrate, the process whereby a narrow interpretation of 'science' and neglect of systems thinking result in the generation of huge amounts of dangerous and misleading misinformation and…

In 1994, I embarked on a PhD study to examine, for the first time, what happened inside the classroom during history lessons in pre-Second World War Britain. Previous studies had relied largely on a study of textbook content and official curricula guidance, without stopping to ask how and whether such materials were actually used in pre-war…

This paper re-considers some of the evidence for low and declining social mobility in Britain, showing that one study based on a re-analysis of cohort figures appears to have had an impact on policy-makers out of all proportion to its scale and rigor. The study claimed to show that the income of parents and children were more closely related for…

This study, done in England and Wales, was a first step in developing a model or set of models for describing processes by which agricultural research findings are put into practice. It was decided that the model should be based on actual instances of transmission and use of research. Models by the author and by others were used in developing…

Discusses the limitations of personal construct theory for research that investigates teachers' thinking. Argues that repertory grid studies, which are often a part of personal construct research, are inconsistent with personal construct theory. Outlines an approach more congruent with the personal construct method. (RKM)

Examines Peter Woods' argument for "phase two" ethnographic research which involves"leaps of (theoretical) imagination" and "hypothesis formation and testing." Concludes that current theories are not improved upon and that instead of further research, major reassessment and reconstruction of ethnographic practice must…

Replying to a critique of his "phase two" ethnographic research, Woods states that testing studies in the manner that Hammersley advocates would be inappropriate and counter-productive. More "phase two" work with reflection on existing material rather than investigation of new areas is recommended. Cautions against systematic…

Replying to Woods' analysis of his original critique, Hammersley lists four points of disagreement: (1) what counts as theory development; (2) phases of theory development; (3) the nature of theory testing; and (4) whether theory development and testing is an achievable goal. (GEA)

This is a report on the third effort to formulate an effective question for determining the ethnicity of respondents to Great Britain's 1981 census. Discussed herein is the response to the ethnic origins questions, different versions of which were incorporated into the main census pre-test and administered to 4250 households (including large…

This is a report on the first effort to formulate an effective question for determining the ethnicity of respondents to Great Britain's 1981 census. Procedures used to design and administer the trial questionnaire are outlined. Successes and problems in contacting and gaining the cooperation of various ethnic groups represented in the study sample…

This is a report on the second effort to formulate an effective question for determining the ethnicity of respondents to Great Britain's 1981 census. Problems encountered in the first pilot test and the two alternate survey forms tried in the second test are described. Included in the present version are additional questions on education,…

Notes that problems of measurement in educational research are often addressed by using the terms validity and reliability. Discusses the meaning given to these terms and how they relate to the aims of the measurement process in educational research. (RKM)

Most research on educational policy making in Britain has depended on the case study approach. This article outlines the procedures, advantages, and theory of this approach and then discusses the problem of trying to generalize from case studies. (WD)

Responding to John Fitz and David Halpin's paper "Researching Grant Maintained Schools," this article outlines several aspects of the grant-maintained schools needing further research, including comparisons with foreign initiatives, historical and ideological antecedents, implementation studies, and investigation of educational change…

Deplores the dearth of a national policy for secondary school reorganization in Great Britain. Although "bottom-up" research has its uses, a "top-down" research plan would produce a critical mass of material for generalization and the formulation and testing of general hypotheses about educational policymaking. (MLH)