This study tested the efficacy of a gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet in treating autism using a randomized, double blind repeated measures crossover design. The sample included 15 children aged 2-16 years with autism spectrum disorder. Data on autistic symptoms and urinary peptide levels were collected in the subjects' homes over the 12…

This article guides readers through the decisions and considerations involved in conducting focus-group research investigations into students' learning experiences. One previously published focus-group study is used as an illustrative example, along with other examples from the field of pedagogic research in geography higher education. An approach…

One effective method to improve the learning of science is through case study teaching. Teachers use realistic or true narratives to provide opportunities for students to integrate multiple sources of information in an authentic context, and may engage students with ethical and societal problems related to their discipline. However, little…

This paper presents aspects of a study in progress on the legitimate function of fiction in research. A section on methodology describes how the study started with a project of narratives written in response to the black and white photographs of one of the collaborators. Analysis of the response process revealed a connection between fiction and…

In response to the difficulties of many masters degree students, this on-going project aimed, first, to identify cognitive and metacognitive skills needed for masters level study; second, to develop an instrument to determine students' readiness for masters level work; and, third, to design bridge courses to prepare prospective students. An…

These three papers are from a symposium that was facilitated by R. Wayne Pace at the 1995 conference of the Academy of Human Resource Development (HRD). "High Performance Work Systems" (Martha A. Gephart) assesses the state of theory and research on high performance work from a "systems" perspective and identifies challenges…

This review critiques the use of Lev Vygotsky's concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD) in quantitative research that focuses on the role communication plays in learning. A study that makes claims in terms of the ZPD should include a pretest, a problem-solving activity, and a posttest. Without these minimal elements, researchers are not…

Since the inaugural meeting of the Southeastern Association of Community College Research in 1975, the research conducted at community colleges, as well as the issues facing researchers, have remained fairly constant. Research has been consistently understaffed and the themes of research have tended to focus on relating student progress to…

This monograph maintains that qualitative methods in research are no longer alternatives, but accepted practice in many research institutions. Consequently, the purpose of this anthology is to continue the search into "the forms of things unknown" and to re-examine those that are known by offering examples of new waves in research, based…

If the arts are an essential means for cultural expression, then the study of arts participation is central to the understanding of U.S. culture and its evolution. This document aims to provide an understanding of arts participation at the national and local levels. To this end, the historical development of arts research is summarized and an…

This paper presents a critical review of literature concerning research with diagnosed populations who participated in outdoor learning experiences as part of psychiatric therapy. The paper proposes: (1) to clarify the definition of the psychotherapy related to adventure programs; (2) to develop specific training manuals that can be shared and…

A study examined 43 research projects conducted between FY89 and FY93 with funding under Section 353 of the Adult Education Act (AEA) grants and 4 additional research projects funded under other sections of the AEA. The project reports were collected by contacting each state literacy resource center, searching the ERIC system and a Division of…

This article tabulates doctoral research activity in social studies education as found in "Dissertation Abstracts" published between 1982 and 1991. In this computer-based search, 499 dissertations were identified using "Dissertation Abstracts OnDisc" which is available on CD-ROM. A variety of descriptors were used, one of the least helpful being…

The most effective activity for teaching communication research students the nature of the social science research process is to provide students with the opportunity to conduct an actual research study. Such an experience promotes and emphasizes active, rather than passive, learning; students finish the class with a strong understanding of the…

This Digest argues that management factors are central to youth program successes and failures and that these factor have been ignored in research on youth programs. Instead, the Digest notes that research and evaluation of programs have focused on the following: (1) whether the right audience is served; (2) whether to make incremental…