Evaluates the usefulness of the Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions (CIHM) Canadiana collection for the historical researcher. Discusses the limitations of the Canadiana collection as a result of CIHM collection criteria as well as the important types of materials in the collection. (JKP)

A participatory action research project (a minieconomy) raised the following issues: unpredictability of outcomes, degree of control over the agenda, understanding of what is meant by "research," and the struggle to engage in systematic reflection during the experience. (SK)

This commentary on the research articles published in volume 16, issue 3 of "Remedial and Special Education" makes several points, including: "interpretivist" approaches do not rely on exactly the same assumptions, a variety of paradigmatic assumptions will increase the value of research and knowledge that is generated, and it…

The selection of subjects for research on learning disabilities is a function of contemporary notions about learning disabilities, the purpose of the study and level of knowledge about the topic, and practical constraints. Denigrations of the extant research database, along with unaffordable demands for subject selection and descriptions, threaten…

Refutes Rushton's claims regarding heritable race differences in intelligence, criminal capacity, brain weight, and his racial ordering of human evolution. Cites major studies with opposite results. Analyses the causal chain governing explicit theory and unstated assumptions; documents inadequate, spurious, and misapplied data sources; and…

Examined seven-year adolescent panel to determine whether attrition effects varied by type of substance assessed and method of measurement. Found study dropouts were more likely to use substances and reported higher mean use of substances at baseline than stayers; attrition effects varied by substance; and mean use comparisons were more likely to…

Reviewed and evaluated parent training research conducted between 1975 and 1990. Analyzed 148 published studies regarding effectiveness of parent training as intervention. Case studies reviewed exhibited several methodological shortcomings. Group studies reviewed also did not routinely collect treatment integrity information, and 50 percent of…

Sixteen listeners (10 expert, 6 naive) judged the dissimilarity of pairs of voices drawn from pathological and normal populations. Only parameters that showed substantial variability were perceptually salient across listeners. Results suggest that traditional means of assessing listener reliability in voice perception tasks may not be appropriate.…

Compares dissertation research from 1992 in public administration, criminology, management, planning, social work, and women's studies. Concludes that what should be done to improve the contribution of doctoral research to the field is to improve the quality of all types of dissertation research. (Author/JOW)

Examines peer review in the National Institutes of Health and in scholarly journals and discusses limitations--time, paperwork, subjectivity, limited resources, and increased instances of misconduct and unethical behavior. Suggests reforms: eliminate anonymity, use review specialists, have institutions monitor their own faculty, and conduct…

Notes that nearly all existing empirical work on stepfamilies has been published in 1980s. Describes demographic context for this work and surveys research on stepchildren, remarriage, and stepfamily functioning. Identifies problems in extant research and suggests areas for future research. Emphasizes explicit and implicit theories that guided…

Discusses trends and problems in regarding discourse analysis as a viable paradigm that can govern research, focusing on such issues as the wide diversity and variety of research that can be considered discourse analysis, the predominant focus on English language, research approaches, and undefined variables affecting research outcomes. (seven…

Discusses the evaluation of moderator variables in meta-analysis: (1) issues in testing theory using moderator variables; (2) when to look for moderators; (3) how not to look for moderators; and (4) how to look for moderators using contrast analysis. (SR)

Highlights some of the limitations of meta-analytic knowledge claims. Illustrates their problematic consequences for later research. Details effective methods of dealing with these potential problems. (SR)

Rejoinders to the preceding commentaries include "Who Claims Holland's Hexagon Is Perfect?" (Prediger, Vansickle); "Comments on the Universality of Holland's Theory" (Fouad, Dancer); and "In Search of Structural Validity" (Swanson). (SK)