Discusses a subdiscipline of history, Quantitative Social Scientific History (QUASSH), which encompasses economic, political, and social histories. Suggests that devotees of this subdiscipline neglect mainstream historical skills and the work of other historians to the detriment of their own work. (Author/KC)

Provides an introduction to the theme of this issue, the limits of educational research methodology. Advocates a combination of research methodologies and identifies three approaches to educational research. Includes sections on the nature of research and common research problems. (JDH)

Reviews various social science models of man designed to explain the issue of limits to growth for human societies. Presents arguments often advanced by proponents of pessimistic and optimistic schools of thought regarding whether society will be successfully able to deal with the limits to growth controversy. (Author/DB)

The author argues that much of the evidence utilized by sociologists is of questionable validity; that the relationships between major independent and dependent variables are generally quite weak; and that even if valid measures and strong relationships existed, the problems of interpretation are extremely formidable. (Author/MB)

Discusses major methodological advances of the past 20 years within social anthropology. The advances fall into three broad areas: comparative studies and large-scale multicultural and holocultural investigations; cognitive anthropology, encompassing formal analysis and decision processes; and studies of intracultural diversity. (Author/KC)

Reviews the trends in sociology since the 1930s. Identifies the still unresolved problems in the field including (1) redundancy resulting from difficulty in retrieving results of prior relevant research and lack of communication; (2) undue focus on trivial issues; (3) decline in microsociology; and (4) lack of a unifying theoretical paradigm. (NL)

Sensitive topics raise issues of ethics, politics, and legal aspects of research. There is concern for participants' rights and groups who may be affected by research. Notes that some argue research funding tends to serve the interests of the powerful by excluding support for research on issues detrimental to their interests. (NL)

Asserts that conducting an organizational survey efficiently and effectively requires detailed planning. Provides an outline of the general steps common to organizational surveys but cautions that the process cannot be covered fully in a brief article. Presents a five-phase process and discusses common problems and pitfalls. (CFR)

Describes three classes of measurement techniques: (1) interviewing methods; (2) record retrieval procedures; and (3) observation methods. Discusses primary reasons for measurement error. Concludes that, although measurement error can be defined and controlled for, there are other design factors that also must be considered. (CFR)

Presents a selective review of the research and theory on the experience, expression, and communication of emotion. Suggests that the research is affected by cultural context and cultural differences. Maintains that contradictions can be resolved by considering the intrapersonal, interpersonal, social, and intergroup aspects of emotions. (CFR)

Asserts that current technology makes it possible to administer organizational surveys by using computers. Describes processes of conducting a computer-administered survey. Finds that respondents who complete computer surveys find them more interesting and seem to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings while completing them. (CFR)

Asserts that three decades of technological advancements in communications and computer technology have transformed, if not revolutionized, organizational survey use and potential. Concludes that organizational clients, respondents, and survey professionals all benefit from new technological developments. (CFR)

Maintains that even a cursory reading of "The Bell Curve" reveals a skewed methodology that deliberately ignores relevant data. Includes statistical tables illustrating the relationship between environmental factors and test scores. Contends that the basic purpose of "The Bell Curve" is to justify economic racism. (MJP)

States White, Eurocentric, normative orientation research on people of color has presented a deficit model of the Afro-American. Advocates new research theories and fewer static research methods. Considers an Afrocentric perspective to research, offering a framework for social research for Blacks rather than about them. (NL)

Reports on a study of innovative city and county government programs in four western states. The study discovered widely divergent assessments of the same programs, dependent upon whether the survey instruments used qualitative or quantitative techniques. Discusses the possible reasons for this and the implications for future research. (MJP)