As the marketplace becomes increasingly complex, the need for consumer research involvement in public policy making grows. The most effective way for academics to affect policy is to participate in advocacy groups. (SK)

Interviews with 124 rice farmers in Sierra Leone revealed that farmers and extension staff have minimal participation and input in testing of new cultivation technologies. The top-down research approach has limited contact among researchers, extension staff, and farmers and affected the utility and application of research. (SK)

Notes that the essence of the study that follows is its attention to the ways in which competing cultural viewpoints, competing possible identities, are played out in practice. Comments that by providing a detailed description of the researcher's role, the study exemplifies the reflexiveness that many see as a hallmark of practice perspectives.…

Summarizes results of an inservice activity designed to increase the variety and use of feedback. District consultants (usually teachers) told stories about their professional experiences; obtained feedback from peers, principals, and researchers; and responded to the feedback received. Suggestions from peers were well received; advice from…

Conducting and publishing research on coached malingering that might undermine the security of psychological tests and procedures presents a real problem of ethical issues. Until a consensus is reached by responsible parties, producers and consumers of research must keep their ethical responsibilities well in mind. (SLD)

Numeracy still lacks recognition in adult literacy, for a number of reasons: differences between the culture of academic research and adult numeracy, perceived difficulty of math as subject matter, lack of relevant research, and lack of a forum for adult numeracy issues. (SK)

Surveys scholars of children's literature to investigate role of informal information channels in humanities research. Finds that, rather than working in isolation, more than 50% of all respondents indicated that at least 50% of the time they discussed their work in its early stages, discussed specific primary sources, and found ideas for their…

Surveyed a sample of the Association for Specialists in Group Work members (n=178) to obtain information regarding research activities and attitudes related to research groups. Results revealed that slightly more than one-third had conducted research with groups during past two years and nonpractitioners were more likely than practitioners or…

Reviews six professional books through the authors discussions of their roles as classroom teacher, reading resource teacher, curriculum developer, and change agents. (MG)

A study assessed the frequency, characteristics, and importance of the mentor-protege relationship among 477 female nurse academicians. Findings indicated that 60 percent had one or more mentors. A profile of mentors was developed, addressing mentor behaviors, characteristics of the relationships, power and achievement characteristics of the…

This tribute to the late Robert Gaylord-Ross notes his research, publications, teaching, and commitment to the cause of the disabled especially the provision of vocational education and supported employment services to allow open employment of persons with disability. (DB)

Explores the methodological and ethical considerations, complications, and consequences relative to relationships between researcher and subject in qualitative educational research. Presents a dialogue between the researcher and the subject. (MG)

A national survey of deans and directors of schools of nursing (n=434) was conducted to determine their opinions about the differing research foci that graduates of nursing doctoral programs should possess. They recommended diverse research foci for current and future researchers and indicated optimism about future funding. (Author/JOW)

Examines the kinds of broad questions that researches in drama education ask. Describes descriptive, historical, theoretical, qualitative, and quantitative research methodologies currently being employed. Gives examples of studies exemplifying each methodology. (HB)

Discusses "Researching Language," a full-length study dealing with questions about power and method in a range of social science disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, and sociolinguistics. The discussion asks whether the balance of power between researchers and research subjects can be altered. (VWL)