Presents aids to assist the design and monitoring of natural resource systems. Defines and describes hypergeometric systems; discusses monitoriing objectives and classifies monitoring programs. (MDH)

Discusses a technique for estimating sample size that does not require an a priori definition of desired precision. Presents five modifications that make the method easier to use and reduce the probability of estimating a larger sample size than necessary. The technique can guide the design of environmental sampling programs. (Contains 31…

Some approximate formulas are presented for standard errors of estimated regression coefficients in two-level designs. If the researcher can make a reasonable guess as to parameters occurring in the model, this approximation can be a guide to the choice of sample sizes at either level. (SLD)

Reports on a method of teaching ethics as a complex web of relationships. Used ethically vexing anecdotes elicited from practicing geographers to develop a computer-based tutorial package that allows students to interact with these anecdotes. Cautions against using this format alone in ethical instruction. (DSK)

Describes a technique for teaching undergraduates some of the problems associated with constructing self-report delinquency surveys. Argues that the exercise, requiring students to critique a flawed survey, increases students' interest in the problems and ultimately may lead to a better understanding of them. Outlines procedures, evaluation…

Describes the method employed for scholarship that involves the analysis of original unpublished scripts. A professional-development grant provided an opportunity to travel to a university archive to read primary research materials unavailable through conventional means, and to develop a detailed analysis of selected works by Ray Bradbury,…

Claims many changes in education are based on political agendas and popular educational philosophies rather than solid research findings. Suggests reform would benefit from the kind of practitioner/researcher relationship that operates in other fields such as agriculture and medicine. Provides guidelines for effective research. (NH)

This article discusses critical issues related to conducting high-quality intervention research using experimental and quasi-experimental group designs. The importance of defining the nature of the independent variable, the value of measuring implementation, and the improvement of the quality of quasi-experiments are among the controversial topics…

Summarizes a presentation by Richard Colwell to the Ohio Graduate Music Education Forum in February, 1996. Colwell argued that music-education research is not focused or organized enough to be answering questions that are truly helpful to practitioners in the field, and he suggested ways to improve music education research. (DSK)

Discusses several designs used in research, specifically in language treatment research. Randomized clinical trials are highlighted because of their designation as the gold standard for determining treatment efficacy in the medical community. A brief discussion of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Clinical Trials Research Group is…

The interplay between agency and structure explains a scientist's readiness to disclose information about research efforts. In a survey of 628 Israeli researchers, personal strategies pursuing collegial appreciation were influenced by conflicting value guidelines at different time-space frameworks. A balanced impact of communality and universalism…

Outlines a class project in which students explore characteristics of paper towels and paper towel advertising. Students design a variety of experiments related to paper towels and their claims. Provides four activities. (DDR)

Argues that, when teachers begin to answer their own questions through research, and as they encourage their students to do the same, both groups benefit. Outlines issues involved, such as reading, experimental designs, sharing ideas with colleagues, qualitative research, action research, quantitative research, collaborating, and the research…

Discussion of gifted education at the beginning of the 21st century focuses on trends and possibilities in teacher training (awareness training, leadership and model teaching, flexible programming), research approaches (identifying gaps in the knowledge base, broader emphases, and alternative research methodologies), and evaluation and…

Presents an authentic semi-guided student research project. Studies the impact of a regional invasion of non-indigenous worm species on decomposition in forest soils. Describes the experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of the data. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)