Combining methodology from quantitative and qualitative paradigms can provide a rich database for understanding the leadership practice of the elementary school administrator. This combination of strategies allows for a more complete understanding of what influences educational input, process, and output. (16 references) (SI)

Evaluates the methodological adequacy of 37 studies of reading comprehension strategy instruction according to criteria of both internal and external validity. Finds many strengths, but identifies six important weaknesses. Suggests guidelines for planning future studies, and urges comprehension researchers to pay more attention to methodological…

Assessed the relation between behavior problem ratings and family relationship quality among 29 mothers and their 4-year-old children. Findings suggest that the absence of positive parental behaviors is as important as the presence of negative behaviors in behavior problem development. (RH)

Criticized in this response is research published previously in "The Journal of Environmental Education." Considered are the limitations of the project, experimental design, control of variables, and the use of the case study approach. Includes 35 references. (CW)

Discusses social science research methodologies and reviews domestic and foreign research on homelessness. Concludes that additional research would make only a marginal contribution to solving what has been identified as an economic and political problem. (FMW)

Collaborative research in writing-across-the-curriculum is a powerful companion to the usual faculty workshop activities of listening, reading, and discussion. In collaborative research projects, teachers from two or more disciplines work together to understand better their students' thinking and writing. (MSE)

This review, which examines three sources of evidence about the effects of computer-assisted instruction on student achievement (national surveys, research reviews, and recent experimental studies), concludes that existing evidence of computer effectiveness is scanty. A new research initiative is described which combines the benefits of survey and…

Effects of rating scale format and rater training on leniency and halo in student ratings of instruction were investigated. Subjects were students in a graduate theological seminary. The findings demonstrate the importance of focusing efforts to improve quality of ratings on the students rather than on the format of the instrument. (Author/MSE)

Illustrates how the combined use of qualitative and quantitative methods were necessary in obtaining a clearer understanding of the process of incest in American society. Argues that the exclusive use of one methodology would have obscured important information. (FMW)

Explores the state of arts education research. Suggests policy studies of the arts education research system as a possible remedy for the current problems found in this field. Notes that the success of a research agenda is dependent upon the resolution of a number of administrative and leadership issues. (KO)

Describes the provision of library services to performing musicians in a music conservatory and focuses on their need for information in three main categories: (1) access to collections through library catalogs and other sources, (2) sources for the study of musical scores, and (3) research using sources for contextual and background research. (10…

Presents a unit designed to be a beginning step for second- to fourth-grade students toward completing a total research project later in the school year. Objectives, project goal, an introduction and two lessons, classroom integration, and evaluation are included. (LRW)

Reports on a review of empirical research reports submitted over the past several years to the "American Journal of Distance Education" that identified common analytic problems and errors often overlooked by distance education researchers. Topics discussed include significance testing; assessment issues, including reliability and…

Explores research done in Latin America concerning audiences of telenovelas. Examines critically the methods employed and the kinds of knowledge generated. Finds that most of the 26 studies examined are severely flawed from a methodological perspective. Suggests that much research still needs to be done. (SR)

A discussion of the usefulness of student questionnaires for evaluating college faculty concludes that student opinion expressed in such surveys tends to be relative and extreme rather than absolute and balanced. An important role for questionnaires is to impose self-policed minimum teaching standards. Results should be handled with care. (MSE)