Simulations show effects of variability on the maximum contingency that can be displayed by an average 2 X 2 table. Results help explain the regularity known as the Tulving-Wiseman law, as well as conditions under which exceptions are found. Dangers posed by variability and Simpson's paradox are discussed. (SLD)

Presents the phenomenon of ethnographic countertransference as an often overlooked aspect of qualitative research. Claims that researchers working in a qualitative paradigm must learn to recognize their own unconscious ethnographic countertransference as a source of information and bias, and use it effectively as a source of information. (EMK)

Addresses concerns about the trustworthiness of research results derived from image-based data, particularly questions of validity assessment. Compares examples of such research to provide an illustration of these issues. Presents a tentative strategy for ensuring trustworthiness based on five criteria: completeness, interpretive adequacy,…

Questions whether preparation was adequate for the field research of squatter community schools and personal ethics and bias in the study. Also examines issues related to which researchers and scholars will gain access to South Africa to provide support and assistance and undertake research now that apartheid has ended. (MMU)

A response to criticisms on preparedness for the field study of squatter community schools in South Africa is presented. Included in the discussion are the ethical stance, the equity of inclusion to conduct research in South Africa, and departure from the field. (MMU)

Argues that a previous study of preservice teachers' beliefs about the nature of science (NOS) was interpretively and methodologically faulty. Contests the finding that teachers learned the NOS through implicit instruction, and questions the methodology leading to the assertion that teachers intended to include NOS instruction in their lessons.…

Answers a critique of a previous study of teachers' beliefs about the nature of science (NOS). Reasserts that teachers in the study learned the NOS through implicit instruction and contends that there was negligible researcher bias in the finding that teachers planned to include NOS instruction in their instruction. Defends the choice of…

Discusses the philosophical strengths and weaknesses of Laudan's normative naturalism, which understands the principles of scientific method to be akin to scientific hypotheses, and therefore open to test like any principle of science. Contains 19 references. (Author/WRM)

In this same "Kappan" Issue, Walberg and Greenberg mistakenly allege that Success for All was developed for ulterior (financial) motives, is based on questionable research, and has had poor results. Literacy achievement has not risen for 70 years. Success for All is no panacea but is tackling this problem. (10 references) (MLH)

Success for All, evaluated highly in several cities, has received unfair criticism. Opposing the process for developing, evaluating, and disseminating effective programs to high-poverty schools (particularly highlighting flaws in a tiny subset of studies) merely sows doubt and misinformation about a most promising reform development. (Contains 44…

Inquires into empirical, functional, and theoretical arguments made to substantiate theses of retreat, loss of meaning, or untimeliness of general pedagogics. Discusses recent propositions for reorganizing general pedagogics as a subdiscipline of educational science. Argues that general pedagogics could lead to new pedagogical interrelations if…

The historic origins of measurement are traced, and the basic requirements for fundamental measurement are outlined. Studying the history of social science measurement shows specific pitfalls the researcher must avoid. Applications of item response theory to social science measurement are discussed. (SLD)

To test the effect of less-frequent interviews on data quality in longitudinal surveys, event history data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 regarding welfare and employment were analyzed. Due to the longer recall period, respondents failed to report short spells of welfare, employment, and unemployment. (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)

Maintains that findings showing numerical computation abilities in infants are considerably more robust and consistent than Wakeley, Rivera, and Langer suggest. Asserts that all the interim replication attempts have successfully replicated Wynn's original findings. Discusses possible reasons for failure to replicate in Wakeley et al. experiments.…