A naturalistic-observational study of three inner-city, working-class mother-infant pairs was conducted to study early language development and maternal teaching styles. The subjects were three white 2-year-olds and their mothers. Observations were made under everyday conditions as the infants interacted with their mothers and other family members…

Procedures are presented for training classroom observers to collect data in naturalistic research projects. Training methods are directed toward the collection of highly reliable observational data. Pre-classroom training prepares observers for data collection by working with the coding manual, video-tapes, and written dialogues, and through…

An attempt at defining and describing those factors which most often jeopardize the validity of naturalistic behavioral data is presented. A number of investigations from many laboratories which demonstrate these methodological problems are reviewed. Next, suggestions, implementations, and testing of effectiveness of various solutions to these…

Four different observational systems and two time sequences were employed to determine the extent to which they would yield different incidences of anti-social behavior. Two videotapes, randomly chosen from a pool of 30 tapes, were utilized. These illustrated the behaviors of anti-social children in a natural setting. Six observers were reliably…

If language research is to arrive at valid analyses of speech behavior, both observation and elicitation methods of data collection will have to be used as necessary complements to one another. The advantages and disadvantages of different research methods are discussed. (CB)

This article introduces H. F. Wolcott's 1982 taxonomy entitled "Styles of On-Site Research: A Guide for Students." It describes how the taxonomy may be used to improve the quality of on-site investigations in art education and includes an extensive bibliography on each of the approaches. (Author/JDH)

Observers coded the behavior of 40 middle-class, traditional couples and their 5-month-old infants, and parents filled out attitude questionnaires. Fathers' sex-role orientation and both parents' views concerning the role of the father were found to be correlated significantly with observed levels of paternal activity. (Author/CB)

Ethical issues relating to naturalistic evaluation are addressed, focusing on the role of the evaluator, problems of privacy and data gathering techniques, and issues relating to the use/abuse of findings. Benefits and costs of the naturalistic approach to program evaluation are also identified. (EGS)

Investigated interactive and noninteractive classroom behavior (as related to structural dimensions of the classroom) in order to observe student-student interaction in naturalistic classrooms, specifically in science subjects. Also investigated the empirical validity of a conceptual framework related to student classroom behavior. (JN)

Explores opportunities for enriching science instruction outside school building. Discusses various nature trails for sensory awareness, observation, problem-solving, and nature identification. Explores possibilities for science study using school yards, parks, community sites, museums, nature centers, and libraries. Briefly examines television…

Examines the relationship between self-reported child-rearing attitudes and practices and actual child management among 68 mothers and their children aged 16-44 months. Results indicate that the authoritarian and authoritative patterns of child rearing attitudes were positively related to a number of child management strategies. (RJC)

Analyzes extracts of classroom discourse involving teachers and groups of nine-year-olds in terms of what they reveal about the establishment of shared knowledge between teacher and students. Identifies this shared knowledge with the discourse "context," focusing on how classroom events are recalled and reconstructed. (MM)

Examines the impact that public examinations of students has upon teaching. The four-year study raises questions about the current assumption that public examinations cause fact-transmission teaching. Uses timings of teacher and pupil talk to examine teaching on a range of different types of courses. (GEA)

To establish baseline data on South African children's behavior, observed 80 children at home and interviewed the children's primary caregiver. Gathered data on patterns of interaction and language use, content of activity, and use of objects. Presents general biographical and behavioral data, notes gender differences, and compares this data to…

A case study assessing a psychogeriatric service in the United Kingdom is evaluated. The methodology, combining naturalistic and scientific approaches, was found to be useful in extending access to decision making and improving information, but it was expensive to support, requiring high commitment and willingness to compromise from all…