Discusses Kris N. Kirby's work on signal detection theory and its application to Watson's selection task. Identifies problems with the design and interpretation of Kirby's card-selection experiments. (DR)

Discusses Over and Evans' alternative interpretations to Kris N. Kirby's card-selection tasks and finds empirical difficulties. Cites the potentially important contribution of Over and Evans to understanding of the card-selection task by applying the notion of epistemic utility. (DR)

The third in a series of articles on performing and disseminating research projects in instructional technology presents guidelines for research planning: select a topic; identify the research problem; conduct a literature search; state the research questions; determine the research design; determine methods; and identify data analysis procedures.…

Examines mathematical relationships among three methods for statistical analysis of treatment by replication experiments involving message variables: ignoring them in the statistical analysis; treating them as levels of a fixed effect; or treating them as levels of a random effect. Finds the third method is the only one offering a reasonable test…

Explores the role of paradigms in information retrieval research and discusses the nature of a paradigm and the applicability of the paradigm concept to a multidisciplinary field such as information science. The features of the physical paradigm and the cognitive paradigm are outlined, and their origins, nature, and role are examined. (55…

Delineates how changes in research methodology have impacted field of gerontology over past three decades. Illustrates impact of methodological changes on gerontology by discussing example of age-cohort-period problem as an innovation in research design. Examines case of confirmatory factor analysis as an illustration of how methodological…

Discusses the focus group, a relatively new method of communication and organizational research. Describes the need for such research, essential ingredients of a quality focus group session, and the advantages and disadvantages of the method. Establishes a theoretical framework and offers examples of focus group research. Suggests methods of focus…

Presents a description of the research setting in a small marketing research firm and highlights the differences between this setting and the academic environment. (Author)

Presents case consultation in which consultants respond to issues of urban planning for mass transit (subway) system and how to maximize prevention of intentional injury within subway stations. Also asks what type of research study should be used and what type of data collected once system is operating. Case is discussed by Morton M. Silverman and…

Quantitative research methods produce factual, reliable, and generalizable data. Qualitative methods generate rich, detailed, valid process data. Ways to integrate them include (1) using qualitative methods to develop quantitative instruments; (2) using qualitative methods to explain quantitative findings; (3) using quantitative methods to…

Describes what business communication professors and practitioners believe are the most important research issues. Compares research being published to that which is rated as the most important. Lists criteria of good business communication research. Determines the extent to which the published research is meeting the criteria for good business…

Argues that traditional research model used in industrial-organizational psychology is not useful in understanding deeper dynamics of organizations, especially those phenomena labeled as "cultural." Contends that use of data obtained during clinical and consulting work should be legitimated as valid research data. Spells out clinical model and…

Describes aspects of participatory action research and considers advantages of using participatory action research in research by disabilities and rehabilitation researchers. Notes that participatory action research can be built into any rehabilitation research design but that it rests upon the recognition of persons with disabilities as integral…

Reviews caregiving literature, focusing on current limitations and future directions for study in areas of sampling and research design. Suggests ways to refine sampling procedures and to more carefully define what caregiver is. Suggests dyadic measurements of caregiver, elder, and family. Notes that, in examining progressive phenomenon such as…

Addresses the need of technical communicators to become critical readers of empirical research. Presents simple definitions of selected research designs and statistical concepts. Accompanies these definitions with concrete examples related to the field of technical communication research. (SR)