This paper examines different theoretical approaches to the explanation of causality and demonstrates the problems of explicating cause in education and the social sciences. (JDH)

Introduces statistical and procedural methods of meta-analysis, and explains how to interpret the findings of meta-analytic studies currently appearing throughout the social science literature. Includes overview of meta-analysis and discussion of seven steps used in conducting a meta-analysis. (Author/NB)

In studying the history of immigration and ethnicity, scholars often write about their own ethnic groups. This pattern has led to an overemphasis on new immigrants of the early twentieth century, limited focus on the experiences of the first and second generations of individual ethnic groups, and disinterest in immigration and ethnicity as…

Examines the role social science plays in federal transportation energy conservation policy; assesses the current forms and degree of consideration of social issues in transportation energy policy; and identifies contributions that the social sciences could make in achieving energy conservation goals. (Author/MK)

Describes contextualism (which assumes that action and thought are developed within relationships that then form contexts for particular actions) as third-world view beyond mechanism and organicism. Illustrates use of contextual approach in three areas of social gerontological and social psychological research--environmental relations,…

Familiarizes family professionals with how family law has been applied to stepfamilies and discusses how social science research findings may assist in process of legal reform. Reviews family law in areas of stepparents' financial support of stepchildren and stepparent custody and visitation following termination of remarriage. Makes tentative…

Briefly reviews history of social science data processing and argues that most social science computing has involved adapting technologies developed in other disciplines. Shows how changing computer technology shapes social science data collection and analysis techniques. Concludes that the nature of the microcomputer may again encourage…

Notes that social scientists are exploring macro applications of human behavior theory to peace interventions. Provides an overview of an international intervention conducted by Carl R. Rogers and his colleagues. Describes the format of the Central American Challenge, an international conference conducted in Rust, Austria; conference participants;…

Reports on educational developments in China. Includes information on new directions in social science research and science education. (RKM)

Reviews the history of the establishment of the concept of race. Traces the origins to the work of 17th- and 18th-century writers. Concludes that the notion of race became popular because it was associated with national identity and emerging ideas regarding evolution. (JDH)

Presents brief overview of the development of urban studies, from its origins in the "urban crisis" of the 1960's to the present trend toward study of the terrapolis, the world system of interdependent metropolitan areas. Focuses on the role of "Urban Affairs Quarterly," changing definitions of the "city," and the…

Outlines the recent transition, within educational research, from conflict to cooperation between quantitative and qualitative approaches. Asserts that compatibility is based on a confusion between method as technique and method as logic of justification. Argues that the claim of compatibility cannot be sustained and blocks an interesting and…

Discusses reasons for the lack of attention to cross-sex friendships, and delineates the significance of these close relationships as a focus of analysis for social scientists interested in personal relationships. Explores the nature of cross-sex friendships through a conceptualization of the major relationship challenges that cross-sex friends…

The current plethora of descriptive, exploratory research holds little potential for answering questions related to the achievement of environmental quality in family living. If the research enterprise is to be involved, it will have to engage research designs that hold the potential to answer questions related to behavioral outcomes. (Author/CH)

Discusses gerontological research, including research based on present trends in Swedish society. Data on the Swedish population and legislation are also presented. (Author)