Discusses ways in which the dialectic between differing approaches to studying, theorizing, and representing collaboration may illuminate issues related to the nature and scope of scholarly inquiry. Contains 15 references. (Author/SLD)

Looks at overall trends in reading research topics and what research designs and data-analysis methodologies were used by researchers who published in the annual National Reading Conference Yearbooks between 1975 and 1995. Finds that postsecondary reading instruction continued to be an area of research interest. (SR)

Examines the similarities and differences between social accounting and more traditional types of evaluation as well as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each. Presents a framework of "comprehensive evaluation" that considers program theory, input costs, research design, and outputs. (SLD)

Describes ways of analyzing different kinds of designs using multilevel models, and considers practical issues such as the method used to allocate interventions, integrity of delivery, and cost, and how these interact with more technical issues of model specification. Two recent British intervention studies illustrate these practical issues. (SLD)

Reports on three experiments that tested the perceived quality of digital images, and discusses issues about conducting research into questions about technical quality in multimedia. Issues regarding conducting this type of research include contextualization versus decontextualization, selection of variables and their values, and presentation…

Illustrates the design and planning of Monte Carlo simulations, presenting nine steps in planning and performing a Monte Carlo analysis from developing a theoretically derived question of interest through summarizing the results. Uses a Monte Carlo simulation to illustrate many of the relevant points. (SLD)

Discusses the optimal level of randomization, the optimal allocation of units, and the budget for obtaining a certain power on a test of no treatment effect for populations with two or three levels of nesting and continuous outcomes. Focuses on the estimator of the regression coefficient associated with the treatment condition. (SLD)

Explores the relevance of anthropology today, stressing that the current relevance of anthropology has to do with current work, building on the previously relevant work of earlier anthropologists. Asking the right questions, good questions, means considering issues that are pursued for decades, rather than focusing on the pursuit of grants. (SLD)

Purpose: This study tests the effectiveness of the theoretically driven BACE (i.e., Balancing Arousal Controls Excesses) intervention in decreasing agitation in residents of long-term care with moderate or severe dementia. Design and Methods: A pretest-posttest double-blinded experimental design with random assignment was used with a sample of 78…

Single-case experimental designs are becoming more popular and acceptable ways to conduct classroom-based research. Single-case designs can also be beneficial when conducting literacy research. There are a variety of single-case research designs that can accommodate a range of instructional strategies and research questions. This paper provides…

Empirical research is all about trying to model and predict the world. In this article, I discuss how design-based research methods can help do this effectively. In particular, design-based research methods can help with the problem of methodological alignment: ensuring that the research methods we use actually test what we think they are testing.…

The authors discuss the use of multiple evaluation approaches in conducting program evaluations. Specifically, they illustrate four evaluation approaches (theory-driven, consumer-based, empowerment, and inclusive evaluation) and briefly discuss a fifth (use-focused evaluation) as a side effect of the use of the others. The authors also address the…

A pilot study at a local school explores a virtual world during English lessons. The objective of applying a Vygotskian experimental design to the study is to investigate the potential of software, interaction and integration related to problem-solving defined as text composition in a foreign language. Focus of research and practices is on the…

This commentary explicates two principal arguments against the conclusions drawn by Robin Perry in his article "Do Social Workers Make Better Child Welfare Workers Than Non-Social Workers?" The first concerns the methodology used, whereas the second centers on the measurement of the dependent variable, performance expectation. Considering the…

Written by a social worker for social work students, this is a nuts and bolts guide to statistics that presents complex calculations and concepts in clear, easy-to-understand language. It includes numerous examples, data sets, and issues that students will encounter in social work practice. The first section introduces basic concepts and terms to…