This is a critique of a study investigating the reliability and validity of objective measures of students' reactions to courses. (MK)

Evaluates two models of generational political research: the lineage model in which generations are defined in terms of biological succession within family units, and the cohort model, in which generations are defined in terms of the common and unique life experiences (and socialization) of individuals born and raised in a particular time period.…

This introductory article analyzes the challenges facing researchers as they respond to the ideas that guide family-centered services and incorporate these themes into research focused on improving services for children with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders. The fit between traditional mental health research and family centered services…

This article discusses alternative analyses that reflect the practical significance of test results and the role of sample size in the interpretation of results. It explores effect size reporting and using "what if" analyses to reflect on the role of sample size in the decision to accept the null hypothesis. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Points out that early childhood development research is fraught with questions about researchers' ability to understand the mind of the child and the feasibility of true collaboration with children in the research process. Delineates common complications in the research process and summarizes responses to a survey of early childhood researchers…

Reflects on how the author has contributed to improving social policy through research by asking good questions, using best methods, and seeing and taking advantage of opportunities. Specifically describes her research, especially relating to children and poverty, and focuses on the designing of research to inform social policy. (SD)

A meta-analysis of nine studies on psychotherapy with persons who have mental retardation found a wide range of research designs, types of interventions, and participants. The evaluation also pointed to a moderate degree of change in outcome measure and moderate effectiveness in terms of benefit to clients with mental retardation. (Contains…

This article contends that Nigrescence or Black racial identity theory often interacts with counseling research designs such that readers may underestimate the worth of, or misunderstand, such research. Methodological dilemmas resulting from interactions among theoretical formulations, environmental influences, and research participants' racial…

Reviews, analyzes, and critically assesses a sample of articles reporting research findings related to the instructional effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Problems in CAI research are described, including validity of the experimental research design, and current trends in CAI research are discussed. (31 references) (LRW)

Analysis of the process of educational television evaluation focuses on the Programme Evaluation Analysis Computer (PEAC) system. Highlights include affects of evaluation on learning; internal and external validity; variables in the evaluation model; formative evaluation; cognitive and affective objectives; and differences between general…

Discusses the past inadequacies and omissions of Asian American studies. Discusses the need to further the understanding of the Asian experience in the United States through critical scholarship, fresh perspectives, and new approaches to the study of Asian diaspora, such as exploring the international dimension. (JS)

Reviewed is some of the experimental evidence for apostatic selection from work with artificial prey. Guidelines for further experiments are suggested including experimental design, analysis, variables, and selection in the wild. (Author/CW)

Offers a five-step design for assessing organizational effectiveness in small rural school districts: (1) consideration of major policy and technical issues; (2) defining the district's organizational components; (3) agreeing on measures of quality; (4) translating measures of quality into operational standards; and (5) assessing standards'…

Asserts that conducting an organizational survey efficiently and effectively requires detailed planning. Provides an outline of the general steps common to organizational surveys but cautions that the process cannot be covered fully in a brief article. Presents a five-phase process and discusses common problems and pitfalls. (CFR)

The 9 articles of this theme issue stem from a project on alcohol and drug abuse that involved 14 projects, 10 of which began with randomized clinical trials. These papers describe implementation problems associated with experimentation in field research and the focus on ensuring internal validity. (SLD)