A proposed research project is described in which two university-based researchers and four elementary school teachers will investigate problematic features of "whole language instruction" in monthly reflexive conversations. One hypothesis is that problems with whole language practice are indicative of a more broadly based cultural…

These reflections on EC 604 101 (a study of teaching adults with severe disabilities a generalized response to the lure of strangers) provide background information on the research methodology used, outline limitations of the study, discuss ethical issues in safety research, and examine ways to make teaching a generalized response more effective.…

Fourth and fifth graders marked on a checklist the titles and authors of children's books which they recognized. This measure of exposure to print was correlated with children's growth in reading ability as measured by standardized tests. Individual differences in growth in reading were significantly related to the measure. (BC)

The article uses research examples to explore how critical and constructionist social theory can raise and address questions of homosexuality in education. It outlines methodological strengths and weaknesses and examines critical research questions that qualitative research methodologies employing critical and constructionist theories might…

Demonstrates the use of heart rate monitors (HRMs) in fitness research and examines heart rate intensity levels of middle school students while they participated in a variety of physical education activities throughout a school year. Research shows the HRM has considerable potential in assessing fitness achievements in school-age children. (GLR)

The function of self-injurious behavior (SIB) by an adult with severe mental retardation was analyzed via descriptive and experimental analysis methodologies. Results indicated that SIB occurred more often when the participant was presented with nonpreferred novel activities. Intervention resulted in the use of negation to terminate the…

A reevaluation of data from Berkman and Meyer (1988), a study supporting the effectiveness of positive-oriented programing approaches with persons with mental retardation, suggests that medication, especially the introduction of Thorazine (with subsequent increases of dosage), may have been related to reductions in the client's self-injurious…

This article reviews definitions of quality of life; explores the subjective nature of life quality for people with disabilities; relates the concept to cultural norms and universal human values and needs; explores the optimal theory of personal well-being; and surveys the source and use of research and implications for planning and evaluating…

Contends that using qualitative methods in a research methods course presents several problems. Examines reasons why qualitative research is not accepted by some instructors and students. Provides suggestions for overcoming these objections. (CFR)

Data from 6,472 South Carolina residents aged over 55 years support the reliability of S. Katz's Activities of Daily Living scale when data are collected by self-report telephone interview. Results indicate that telephone interview methods are a fast, inexpensive, and safe way to collect data for research and policy formation. (SLD)

Argues that ignorance is a better criterion than truth for determining the usefulness of knowledge generated through educational research. Implications for conceptualizing and teaching research are discussed, illustrating how attention to ignorance can increase understanding in areas such as practitioner research and cooperative research. (SLD)

Describes a study of children's use and understanding of videocassette recorders (VCRs) using a combination of research methods: a survey, observations, and interviews with parents and children. Results show the levels of parental support and direct access were critical factors in understanding the child's knowledge about and competence with…

Reviews research on the effects of television viewing, particularly educational programing, on preschool children. Describes a study conducted in Athens, Greece, of television's impact on language development in kindergarten children; and of the impact of mother's educational level on child's language ability and television-viewing habits. Details…

Using structural equation technique to replicate results of Hasenfeld and Rafferty's causal model predicting public attitudes toward welfare state programs with the social ideologies of work ethic and social rights. By incorporating estimates of measurement error, results failed to support the authors' original conclusions. Operationalizing key…

Seven articles discuss research by and for practitioners. The topics include demystification of research for practitioners, experiences with helping teacher researchers, an application of a collaborative action research model, one health practitioner's experience, creating a dance research database, basic data analysis for nonresearchers, and why…