Discusses a comparative analysis of the "biggest problems question" used in both the 1996 Annual Gallup Poll of Public Education and a 1996 Houston-area district's five-year, strategic-planning survey. Although both groups identified some common concerns (discipline, drug abuse, violence, crime, and gangs), national poll respondents…

Describes the Inquiry "I" which is designed as a learning tool for scientific inquiry. Explains the steps of prior knowledge, logical argument, experimental design, procedure, data collection, data transformation, results, and new knowledge. Uses guided and open inquiry approaches. (YDS)

This article discusses how a focus group of seven individuals with Down syndrome was used to explore experiences of going to the doctor. Obtaining consent and acknowledging the power differential between participants and researchers are highlighted as key challenges for those wishing to engage in disability research. (Contains references.)…

This article explores the gene-finding process for developmental speech disorders (DSDs), specifically disorders of articulation/phonology and stuttering. It reviews existing behavioral genetic studies of these phenotypes, discusses roadblocks that may impede the molecular study of DSDs, and reviews the findings of the small number of molecular…

Discusses intelligent learning environments for computer-based learning, such as agent-based learning environments, and their advantages over human-based instruction. Considers the effects of multiple agents; agents and research design; the use of Multiple Intelligent Mentors Instructing Collaboratively (MIMIC) for instructional design for…

Provides information about single case experimental research methodologies, and delineates a rationale for their use in certain types of reading research. (MG)

This article discusses research design problems peculiar to work with intellectually disabled subjects, such as discrepancies in uses of control groups and mental age matching, definitions of subject groups and variability within and between subject groups. Suggestions for minimizing these problems are made and alternative methodologies offered.…

Argues that conceptualizations of and empirical studies on compliance and compliance-gaining often reflect a social exchange or a power perspective, which typically push communication into the background of the compliance-gaining process. Provides examples of studies adopting a power perspective without undercutting the role of communication in…

Examines the work of five researchers who have conducted studies of writing with computers or writing with computer-assisted instruction in the following areas: composing with word processing; writing improvement attributed to computers; instructional software; computer networks for writing; and collaborative writing through telecommunications.…

Studies (N=168) describing the use of behavioral interventions with behavior-disordered students were analyzed in terms of their reporting on four classes of marker variables: descriptive, substantive, topical, and background. Data showed that more thorough descriptions of research populations are required in the areas of selection criteria,…

Qualitative research has a limited role in the total research effort in sport pedagogy. This article discusses problems and limitations of qualitative research. Topics include trustworthiness of data, oversimplified comparisons between quantitative and qualitative research, and appropriate contexts for using qualitative research as the method of…

Describes a study that obtained assessments of the status of research in library and information science from leading researchers in the field. Five key issue areas affecting the status of research are identified and specific recommendations are offered to address these issues and improve the status of research in this area. (31 references)…

Arguing that creativity in doctoral research has been underemphasized, this article offers five principles drawn from theoretical and research literature for advisors cultivating creative dissertation work and examines each principle from three contextual perspectives: individual psychology, theoretical-methodological, and institutional. (PB)

Develops a rationale for the application of single subject time-series) research technology to problems in minority and bilingual special education. Outlines characteristics of the simple case study, ABA withdrawal design, multiple baseline design, changing criterion design, and alternating and simultaneous treatment designs. Contains 34…

Research from social psychology on the effects of group discussion and of exposure to the opinions of other group members on the decisions groups make is reviewed. The pertinence of this research to standard-setting practices is considered, and the implications for the design of standard-setting procedures are explored. (SLD)