The emphases of this investigation were to outline procedures to assess the effectiveness of instructional materials and to examine those procedures. Methods for determining sample size, constructing instruments, and modifying data are described. (SK)

Suggests a common research protocol for case study analyses of controversies in science and technology, facilitating future comparative research aimed at developing generalizations about disputes and their resolution. Aspects of the protocol include an overview to the controversy and descriptions of actors, strategy, tactics, knowledge claims,…

The traditional experimental-control group method for evaluating delinquency prevention programs is questioned. It is contended that the method harms the intervention and exacerbates the deliquency problem. (JKS)

To facilitate research on the processes of innovation and change in higher education, a conceptual distinction is drawn between broad processes of organizational change and specific process of change and innovation. A typology of four research frameworks for innovation is presented and illustrated through exemplary studies. (Author/MH)

Although substantial efforts have been made in social science research in rural areas, the assembled data often has not been extensively utilized by decision makers. This paper proposes a collaboration between researchers and decision makers and suggests guidelines for enhancing research utilization. (DS)

Of 50 students taking a graduate course in multiple regression analysis at a particular university, they tended to use multiple regression in their dissertations. (Author/JKS)

The biasing effects of a pretest on subsequent post-test results were investigated in two experimental studies. In general, the results argue for using designs without pretests. (Author/JKS)

After a brief discussion on the need for more effective teacher education programs in the United States, this research presents a first attempt to link moral and psychological education with a teacher training curriculum. Suggests that teacher education should adopt a developmental framework for both goals and instructional strategies. (Editor/RK)

Little published research has been conducted to date on the use of talk by teachers and children in primary schools. Describes an attempt to explore discourse in junior and middle school classrooms using interaction analysis and intuitive contextual analysis to examine interactions between teachers and children in a variety of learning situations.…

The SIRO (Systematic Information Retrieval/Organization) World Wide Web search strategy offers a research planning process designed for information seekers in the agricultural disciplines. The process starts with the identification of the information structure on the Web, then organizes and analyzes information in a visual diagram. This leads…

Describes ongoing conflicts between researchers and Native American communities, especially between the rights of scientific research and those of Native American tribes over their cultural heritage. Presents steps that several tribes have taken to ensure their intellectual property rights. Discusses key elements for developing sound research…

Argues that current multimedia research has experimental design problems. Discusses the "myth" of multimedia benefits, economics of multimedia, and dangers of research errors, and maintains that instructional strategies, not media, improve student achievement. (SM)

Examines methodological issues in conducting research with at-risk youth across cultures. A case study is used to illustrate key methodological issues and explore where conventional methodology may not be applicable to cross-cultural research with at-risk youth. Recommendations are made to address some of the methodological challenges. (Author)

Methodological features are suggested for a possible new national longitudinal study of teachers' careers. Six key principles of research design are presented and used to assert that the new study must be truly longitudinal with measurements on at least six occasions over at least 12 years. (SLD)

Studied the use of multimedia cases to support teacher education in learning to mathematize and didactize and to learn how to use multimedia cases with their student teachers. Findings from the study of one course result in a six-step framework for working with multimedia cases. (SLD)