Stresses the danger of sociological fieldwork in Latin America for researcher and subject. Recommends that the researcher build a network of contacts for support and protection. Discusses the interpersonal relations, problems of security, and field entry techniques involved in sensitive research situations. Suggests unobtrusive methods of research…

Focus group findings were compared with survey findings for three studies in which both methods were used. Studies conducted on voluntary sterilization in Guatemala, Honduras, and Zaire with over 2,000 subjects confirm that focus groups yield information similar to that obtained from surveys and are useful in program planning. (SLD)

The beliefs of 39 intermediate-level teachers (9 males and 30 females) from 6 elementary schools concerning their practices in reading comprehension instruction were determined via interviews and compared with observations of their practices. Teachers' beliefs corresponded with their practices. One case study illustrates an example where this was…

Maternal views on the separateness and independence of their children were investigated through interviews with 60 Japanese and 60 Israeli mothers about their kindergarten children. Cultural differences between subjects living in Fukuoka (Japan) and Jerusalem (Israel) are discussed for their implications for the study of child development. (SLD)

Telephone interviews were conducted with parents of 1,601 children to investigate the utility of a statewide (Ohio), first-step screening procedure called Developmental Profile II. With developmental delay specified as the outcome variable, six independent variables representing environmental and biological determinants were identified.…

Written descriptions by students in grades 3-7 (n=274) of common 2-dimensional geometric shapes were examined to compare the level descriptors of the van Hiele Theory and the SOLO Taxonomy. Results indicate that descriptors associated with the SOLO Taxonomy more accurately describe the quality of student thinking. (MDH)

Describes a case study focusing on the first year of a three-year change initiative in which holistic curriculum was implemented in a kindergarten through grade-eight school (Simcoe Street School) in Ontario (Canada). Documents the success of the implementation and its continued use as part of school philosophy. (SLD)

Telephone interviews with 215 handicapped recent high school graduates or drop outs found that the areas of most concern to themselves and their parents included affective issues (e.g., poor self-esteem) and issues of vocational success and personal independence. Findings are discussed in relation to the educational intervention experienced in…

Women's studies courses were found to have a positive impact on 156 female students' feminist identity development, as defined by Downing and Roush. Results suggest validity for the feminist identity development scale used as well as a new approach to evaluating women's studies courses. (CJS)

Study explored Welch teachers' (n=14) opinions regarding a 1-year, full-time inservice course (Diploma in the Education of the 14-19 Age Group). According to interviews, teachers felt the effectiveness of inservice training hinged on subsequent professional development, which depended on responses from the institutions they left and to which they…

A study measured the effects of a medical college faculty development course in medical interviewing on attitudes toward learner-centered learning. Even though the learner-centered approach was not explicitly taught, participants (n=29) developed favorable attitudes approaching those of the facilitators, and the attitudes were sustained six…

Presents a teacher's report on personal reactions and attitudes of both German students and teachers toward German reunification. Information was obtained through interviews during a week stay in Germany in March 1990. Includes many quotes expressing fear of nationalism and hope for the future, and recognizing social and economic problems Germany…

Uses fables to study the moral orientation used in problem solving by 54 first, second, and fifth grade children. The following findings are reported: (1) all adopted a "care" orientation; (2) only fifth grade boys used solutions involving tricks; and (3) the ability to explain the logic of solutions was related to abstract reasoning…

Discussion of the role of small liberal arts colleges for women focuses on the role and impact of information technology based on the views of Maggie O'Brien, president of Hollins College. Topics addressed include a computer networking project developed with partnerships with businesses; communicating at a distance; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Outlines problems involved in information retrieval evaluation and suggests a more user-centered interpretive approach. A longitudinal study that examines evaluation through the information-seeking behavior of 22 case studies of actual users is described; and relevance judgments, effectiveness ratios, and analysis of document failures are…