Constructs frameworks for understanding how organizations may function as rhetorical contexts. Compares traditional and modern approaches to rhetorical context and discusses where organizations, as a form of context, may fit within each approach. Describes two approaches to organizational theory that have implications for the study and practice of…

Suggests a number of criteria and procedures that represent a model of scholarly inquiry into the writing process. Discusses why some researchers are discontented with present models. Details what the author feels are acceptable, even desirable, operating assumptions, research methodologies, and ways of reporting results. (JD)

Dutch television producers investigated methods of redesigning thematic educational broadcasts directed at independent adult learning. Results focused on context and image, content, form, and appeal to the audience. (Author/LRW)

A consumer-oriented program evaluation of a master's level clinical psychology training program is reported. A goal attainment model of evaluation was employed, requiring specification of program goals, development of goal-related objectives and hypotheses, and formulation of recommendations for program modification based on results achieved.…

Examines correlational studies which consistently show significant, positive relationships between congruence and academic performance and persistence, job satisfaction, stability of choice, perceived congruence, and personality, but nonsignificant relationships between congruence and self-concept or sociability. More complex research designs…

A representative sample of studies drawn from the published program evaluation literature is examined. It is concluded that weak designs, low statistical power, ad hoc measurement, and neglect of treatment implementation and program theory characterize the state of the art in program evaluation. (Author/BS)

Provides a classroom demonstration designed to test an astrological hypothesis and help teach introductory psychology students about research design and data interpretation. Illustrates differences between science and nonscience, the role of theory in developing and testing hypotheses, making comparisons among groups, probability and statistical…

Reading disabilities are examined from an interactionist perspective. A brief historical perspective of events, a review of selected literature, and a discussion of implications lead to the thesis that research on reading disability must move away from the search for causative factors and toward the specification of conditions for learning.…

This paper critically reviews studies of administrator work activities which follow the work of Henry Mintzberg (1973), concentrating on these shortcomings of the method: (1) procedural difficulties in coding; (2) design limitations of classifying activities; (3) inadequate testing of Mintzberg's hypotheses; and (4) failure to explore antecedents…

Presents five research designs--sequential analysis, value added analysis, nonequivalent dependent variables, regression discontinuity, cohort design--for studying computer-based teaching methods when a randomized two-group design is impractical; provides examples of studies employing these designs and decision flowchart; and discusses selection…

Many evaluation researchers are now attempting to synthesize quantitative and qualitative approaches. Although such efforts appear to carry great promise, some subtleties and incompatibilities of these approaches are perhaps being overlooked. Implications for social inquiry are discussed. (Author/GDC)

Used data from nutrient intake recall divided according to body weight to demonstrate how variance in measurement may lead to incorrect conclusions in evaluation of nutrition education. Demonstrates need for incorporating methods of minimizing effects of measurement error, advocating random assignment to groups or statistical control if random…

This article argues that the 1981 work of Carbno presented unwarranted conclusions because its design included an improper operationalization of the object of measurement, given the problems addressed, and because the sample sizes employed were too small. (Author/PN)

The research model presented here is designed to be used by practitioners who either do not have substantial training in research methodology or do not have the time to design and document involved procedures. (SK)

While policy analysis is currently the most popular research strategy for educational administration, it is more effective when used in conjunction with program evaluation. The relationship between these methods is illustrated by examining alternative research designs for a hypothetical school drug abuse program. (BS)