Discusses why evaluation has a field has not studied its own theory systematically and examines the tensions between the often-cited claim of K. Lewin that there is noting as practical as a good theory and the response of M. Fullan that there is nothing as theoretical as good practice. (Author/SLD)

Provides a synthesis of the critical commentary of each of the contributors to this volume. The field is a long way from a descriptive theory of evaluation, but small, well-defined steps that might be taken are outlined. (SLD)

Makes summary comments on the empirical study of evaluation theory and practice. Research has indicated that the statistical fit between theorists' and everyday evaluators' practice is weak, and the approaches used by everyday evaluators are not easily aligned with constructs assumed to be the theoretical terrain. (SLD)

Describes a study that identified competencies required of competent performance improvement professionals and determined how often performance improvement practitioners believed they should be, and are, currently applying each of the identified competencies. Reports on correlations between what they believe they should apply and what they are…

Transtheoretical metaphors of purpose, process, and product can be helpful for counselors to organize and focus therapy and for clients to conceptualize current marital patterns and create alternative relational habits. The case study of Kevin and Stacey is used to illustrate these constructs. (Contains 11 references.) (Author)

Researchers have posited that when students work on assignments with many discrete tasks, that each completed discrete task may be a conditioned reinforcer. If the discrete task completion hypothesis is accurate, then relative task completion rates should influence choice behavior in the same manner as relative rates of reinforcement. Results of a…

Theoretical integration refers to the conceptual unification of diverse counseling approaches. Contends that the general failure of integrative attempts is a by-product of the modernistic epistemic context in which the systems were considered and proposes an examination of common narrative features of counseling approaches in a postmodern…

Highlights relationships between theory and practice and the genesis of professional action in clinical nursing and among researchers. Suggests that clinical nurses learn from context, including each other, and are active producers of knowledge, not merely recipients. Concludes there is no research-practice gap as argued in the dominant barrier…

Model modification problems in covariance structure analysis are examined. The Modification Index, suggesting modifications based on a test statistic's largest drop in overall value, and the Expected Parameter Change, suggesting modifications based on the removal of large specification errors, are applied to two specifications of the Wisconsin…

Separating theoretical knowledge from practical knowledge and from direct engagement with dance is limiting and distorts nature of dance. The challenge is to demonstrate how rationality of subject works, show progress from intention to action in creating and performing dances, articulate purposes of making and performing a work, identify…

Asserts that education lacks a validated theory of learning and teaching. Chief among the causes is the lack of a framework within which diverse theories can be integrated. General systems theory is proposed as a source for a framework. (JOW)

Demonstrates the compatibility of General System Theory (GST) with the traditional counseling literature in explicating a therapy group's progression through Tuckman's (1965, 1977) developmental stages (forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning). Description uses both traditional group literature and GST concepts. (Author/NB)

This article represents the culmination of a two-year project that examined the roles of science and practice within counseling psychology. Presents specific recommendations for promoting the integration of science and practice within Division 17 of the American Psychological Association and suggests specific strategies for implementing the…

Discusses contributions and difficulties that postmodern feminist thought has to offer for reconceptualization of social work theories and practice. Provides overview of status of feminist theory within social work literature and describes roots and explains concerns of postmodern feminism. Discusses relevance, implications, and challenges of…

Presents innovative and imaginative examination of invitational model and encourages future research of invitational practice. Challenges readers to move beyond seemingly clear-cut, orderly models and diagrams, and to explore more seriously the potential for rigorous research and clearly defined applications of invitational practices. (NB)