Discusses epistemological issues involved in the use of qualitative methods to assess classroom-based microcomputer programs, specifically Apple Computer's "Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow." Six models of qualitative data design and use are examined: anecdotal, structured observations, case study, multisite case study, ethnography, and…

Suggested research procedures for higher education practitioners with little research background, emphasizing college persistence and education studies, include seeking advice from qualified colleagues and statisticians, especially in the planning stages. Focal areas include scientific interest, practical significance, research design, previous…

Synthesizes research supporting the assertion that people are not very accurate perceivers of the opinions of others. Assesses the impact of these findings on E. Noelle-Neumann's "spiral of silence" theory. Suggests an alternative research strategy drawn from social psychology to test this aspect of the spiral of silence process. (SG)

Discussion of educational and research advantages of using computer-based experimental simulations for the study of negotiation and dispute resolution in business schools focuses on two studies of undergraduates that used simulation exercises. The influence of time pressure on mediation is examined, and differences in student behavior are…

Study results indicate that correlations between measures of the home environment and children's intelligence quotient at 7 years of age are often mediated genetically. Among 153 adoptive and 136 nonadoptive families, such correlations were generally lower in adoptive families than in nonadoptive families. (RH)

Thirty-nine adult computer novices in Denmark were interviewed and observed to determine the nature of their global understanding of information technology. Three assessment types, three coping strategies, and four categorical frameworks for understanding were identified. A new methodology for testing the validity of qualitative analyses is…

Ten articles on the use of multilevel data in educational research are presented. Topics include model specification and building, analytical procedures, aggregation bias, least squares statistics, hierarchical linear models, significance testing, and testing multilevel product-process networks. (TJH)

States the issue of research methodology is a concern of comparative education. Defines comparative education as an elaborate form of mediating between cross-cultural data and social scientific theories. Presents analytical possibilities for methodological analysis and sociohistorical reconstruction. Includes an extensive bibliography. (NL)

Provides a conceptual overview of the four studies on management writing included in this issue. Relates research on written management communication to evolving conceptions of workplace literacy. Argues that stronger emphasis should be placed upon innovative methods of creating organizational attention to managers' writing as both process and…

The agreement between visual analysis and the results of the split-middle method of trend estimation was examined using a set of 24 stimulus graphs and 30 raters. Results revealed poor agreement between the two methods, and low sensitivity, specificity, and predictive ability for visual analysis in relation to statistical inferences. (JDD)

Discussed is wavelet theory, which provides ways to rearrange data to reveal features of a physical or mathematical system which might otherwise be hidden. This theory is compared to fourier analysis and the advantages of wavelet theory are stressed. Applications of this technique are suggested. (CW)

Reports on a study that tested methods to control or reduce spurious response in order to improve survey technique. Examines two methods of controlling spurious response: alerting respondents that some questionnaire items are false, and using the "don't know" response option. Finds that only the "don't know" option actually…

Points out that research is an inefficient endeavor as it relates to time, but the rewards can be gratifying and of value. Reports on a compilation of faculty and administration observations, alumni and student surveys, and some readings on the topic. (RT)

Discussion of research problems in instructional technology emphasizes two main needs: (1) development of a prescriptive research methodology; and (2) more front end analysis that produces a distinction between instructional design research and instructional development research. Two examples of research using the prescriptive technology approach…

Refutes MacLean's critique of two instruments: the Education Participation Scale and the Personality and Educational Environment Scale. Major arguments center on sample size, predictive validity, reliability, deficiency and growth motivation, research methodology, and inclusion of up-to-date research. (39 references) (SK)