Considers problems and advantages of minority field researchers in the context of recent critiques. Argues that minority researchers have certain empirical and methodological advantages, but also face unique problems in simultaneously addressing ethical, methodological, and political concerns. Utilizes illustrations from field research experience…

This paper describes procedures that resulted in a 90 percent return in a random sample survey of inner-city youth. Included are: selection of interview sites; recordkeeping; call-backs; techniques for dealing with reluctant interviewees; and composition of interview teams, including sex and ethnic matching with sample members. (SJL)

Do the patterns of family interpersonal communication influence children's television viewing? In this study, the results indicate that in families where the pattern of communication emphasized parent-child relations, as opposed to child-idea relations, the children's viewing preferences are influenced by what they perceive their parents would…

Discusses changes in the methods of earth science fieldwork brought about by the introduction of the National Curriculum to UK schools. Teachers have traditionally described and interpreted geology for pupils. Teachers now need accessible, safe sites close to schools. The sites must allow pupils to identify problems for themselves and solve them…

In El Sururab in rural Sudan, solar energy is used for cooking instead of wood. This study explored the efficiency of a hot-box type of solar cooker for storing heat and its effectiveness for different methods of cooking various foods used daily in El Sururab. Forty local women served as a respondent group. (PVD)

Presents results from ethnographic fieldwork regarding a program to develop telematically delivered distance learning packages in Britain. Describes aims of the program, including building an infrastructure for distance learning and community development, to provide training software, and to identify limitations of attempts to break down economic…

Discusses research methods for studies of rural or agrarian households. Explores seven principles and general observations stemming from qualitative rural research. Discusses issues and characteristics of rural culture, society, families, and individuals as research subjects. Offers additional lessons regarding gathering, treatment, and analysis…

Describes a group of seniors at a Montreal high school, the offspring of working class Southern European immigrants, whose socialization is confined to school because most work part time. Suggests the importance of balancing the focus on leisure youth groups with school-based cultures such as this. (DM)

Discussed is a geology education program which includes hikes, lectures, naturalist training sessions, workshops, writing, collecting, upgrading park facilities, and producing exhibits in state parks in the Lake Michigan District of Wisconsin. The importance of public education and sources of public information are stressed. (CW)

Discusses a field trip to Lucan, Ontario to research the story of the Donnelly family murders of 1880. Describes sites visited, student activities, and contacts made with local individuals familiar with the story. Includes class follow-up activities. Provides an activity on cemeteries and examines educational benefits. (RW)

Examines value of higher education field studies. Describes agricultural field programs in California and Sri Lanka, examining relationship of classroom work to field work. Details students' reflections. Emphasizes experiential learning as valuable for both student and teacher. Concludes field work fosters realistic, meaningful interpretations of…

Explores the ways in which producers of contemporary urban graffiti resist the increasing segregation and control of urban environments, and shows how graffiti participants undermine efforts at control. Data come from four years of field work in Denver (Colorado) and research in other cities. (SLD)

This article proposes a model of distance education for schools of social work. The model involves use of videotapes, an on-site discussion leader/field instructor, computers, and direct observation by field instructors. Possible problems are addressed as are evaluation concerns and policy issues. (DB)

A theory is presented that postulates that people in all cultures use four relational models to generate most kinds of social interaction, evaluation, and affect. Ethnographic and field studies (n=19) have supported cultural variations on communal sharing; authority ranking; equality matching; and market pricing. (SLD)

Comments on Reba Page's use of the author's work, known as the Brad trilogy, in a lesson on validity in interpretive research methods. Wolcott prefers involving students more immediately with field work than in Page's approach. Discusses his intentions in writing the Brad trilogy and the questions it has raised. (DSK)