Describes study of students in grades 8 through 12 that was conducted to determine the degree to which television messages influence a person's construction of reality (the cultivation hypothesis). Research methodology that tests the effects of television exposure is examined with emphasis on the importance of demographic control variables. (38…

Responds to Martyn Hammersley's critique of the authors' research concerning classroom participation of boys and girls. Agrees generally with Hammersley's critique. Defends the small-scale approach for its ability to examine interactive mechanisms by which inequality in participation was produced. (DB)

Asserts that the scattered rural populations of Latin America and Mexico make it difficult to offer primary education to all school-age children. Describes a project in which community classes make it possible for children to attend schools without leaving their village. (CFR)

Strengths and weaknesses of three types of semiquantitative methods used by the federal government in research impact assessment are presented, and examples of their use are reviewed. These include the classic retrospective method, another retrospective approach, and accomplishments books used by selected research-sponsoring organizations. (SLD)

This article reviews the principal methods economists and cost benefit analysts use in evaluating research. Two common approaches are surplus measures (combinations of consumer and producer surpluses) and productivity measures. Technical difficulties and political and organizational constraints are discussed for these measures. (SLD)

Contends that qualitative research is now an acceptable and respected methodology in the various fields of educational research. Concludes that considerable imagination and flexibility is necessary when evaluating research into educational issues in developing nations. (CFR)

Progress toward alternative approaches to research on teaching and teacher development is reviewed. The researcher-teacher relationship is the focus in discussing collaboration in partnership research. Organizing frameworks for the discussion are the authors' own research, a matrix of phases of research activity, and a matrix of issues in teacher…

This overview of nonexperimental causal research methods focuses on latent variable structural equation modeling using the LISREL computer program. An extended example in special education is used to present LISREL as an extension of structural equations analysis (path analysis) and as a method of reducing the effects of error in research.…

Seven articles highlight evaluations that are especially investigative in nature to examine how common elements in these studies can be used to improve evaluation and practice. The evaluator is seen as detective, ethnographer and management consultant, national program monitor and analyst, and international development specialist. (SLD)

Two extensions of the Mantel Haenszel procedure that may be useful in assessing differential item functioning (DIF) are explored. Simulation results showed that, for both inferential procedures, the studied item should be included in the matching variable, as in the dichotomous case. (SLD)

Discusses various responses to the author's book "Ways with Words--Language, Life and Work in Communities and Classrooms" (1983). Describes how these reactions have led the author to see things in the work that she had not seen before. Strengths and weaknesses of the book she identifies have implications for the conduct of future ethnographic…

A survey of 203 social and behavioral science students enrolled in a graduate-level research methodology course examined the relationship between learning style and library anxiety. Found that students with the highest levels of library anxiety tend to be those who like structure, are self-motivated, lack persistence, and are peer-oriented…

Survey vignette methodology was used to investigate undergraduate and graduate students' beliefs about what constitutes abusive behaviors in dating relationships. Although both contextual and demographic factors, especially gender and sexual orientation, affected student judgments of abusiveness, student characteristics explained relatively little…

Methodological issues related to administering suicidal screening measures to children and adolescents are examined. Risk and comparison groups were formed within a longitudinal investigation of offspring of depressed and well mothers. Assessments were made four times for two siblings from each family. Patterns of reporting are discussed.…

Describes the research process engaged in by a group of teacher researchers as they examined students' historical and multicultural understanding. Explores the complex and messy nature of the relationship of teaching and researching. Describes how research questions and methodology were developed. Discusses development of categories to examine how…