Investigates the claims of scientific objectivity that support recent changes in policies toward early-literacy instruction in the states of Texas and California. Uses a framework to assess the validity of this claim through the analysis of 10 major studies of phonological awareness. Finds the two states' curricular policy statements to be highly…

A study examined effect-size reporting in 23 quantitative articles reported in "Exceptional Children". Findings reveal that effect sizes are rarely being reported, although exemplary reporting practices were also noted. Reasons why encouragement by the American Psychological Association to report effect size has been ineffective are…

Argues that scientific results about immigration of adolescents into Germany are incomplete. Suggests that theories of adolescence under conditions of migration and immigration ought to be developed within an intercultural comparative perspective, include the concept of cultural space, consider interplay between gender and ethnicity, and…

Observes that in the research on adult-education programs there is a lack of continuing system monitoring and of systematic evaluation and documentation of programs. Presents selected results from a research project that evaluates and documents the totality of urban-adult-education programs and their development. (DSK)

Comments on several quantitative approaches to semantic knowledge representations (the focus of this special issue). Points out some of the ways in which Latent Semantic Analysis and Hyperspace Analog to Language fall short of being plausible theories about psychological reality. Examines in-principle failures and wrong-kind failures that arise in…

Of the four guides to schoolwide reform models (by Herman and others, Northwest Regional Education Laboratory, Robert Slavin, and Margaret Wang and associates), Herman's volume provides the most detailed, scholarly review. Practical information abounds, but more well-controlled and designed longitudinal studies are essential. (Contains 32…

Discusses pitfalls authors can avoid in their research to improve their chances for publication: careless writing; unspecified assumptions; undefined context; unanswerable questions; soft and/or fuzzy hypotheses; vague, undefined terms; inadequate samples; inappropriate use of students in conducting research; inappropriate conclusions; multiple…

Some studies of hypertext/hypermedia systems have concluded that there is little evidence supporting its educational efficacy. After examining conceptual and methodological shortcomings of research, this article suggests that the educational potential of hypertext/hypermedia has been underestimated and argues that overcoming these shortcomings…

Although web browser caching speeds up retrieval, reduces network traffic, and decreases the load on servers and browser's computers, an unintended consequence for marketing research is that Web servers undercount hits. This article explores counting problems, caching, proxy servers, trawler software and presents a series of correction factors…

School-effectiveness research has made three considerable contributions: establishing a field exhibiting the characteristics of normal science, generation of research findings on numerous important topics, and combating of social/professional pessimism concerning educational-advancement prospects. School-effectiveness researchers will probably…

In this response to critiques (Mudford, Hogg and Roberts 1997, 1999) of the use of behavior states in research involving individuals with mental retardation, it is argued that the work on behavioral state analysis by Robert D. Guess has contributed to the field at the practical, empirical, and theoretical levels. (Contains references.) (CR)

The meta-analysis of J. Cameron and W. D. Pierce (1994), which purports to demonstrate that extrinsic rewards may not undermine intrinsic motivation, is unpersuasive by virtue of its methodologies, its tendency to ignore important distinctions, and its failure to include certain evidence. (Author/SLD)

Provides a critical analysis of the meta-analysis of J. Cameron and W. D. Pierce (1994) of the experimental literature on the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Their overly simplistic conclusion has little theoretical or practical value and results from misuse of meta-analytic procedures. (SLD)

Critiques the usage of "rurality"--a key term in the field of "rural" studies. Suggests that the multiple meanings of "rurality" demonstrate the rupture of sign and signification discussed in recent debates concerning ideology, hegemony, and poststructuralism. Argues in favor of a productive dialog between Gramscian…

Discusses the origin of the categories of relational, social, and indirect aggression in Finnish studies on the nature of female aggression, arguing that all three names represent the same issue. Considers early research into the developmental origins of indirect aggression, and the role of physical, verbal, and indirect aggression as three…