A leader in the field of educational evaluation discusses her views on: (1) research utilization; (2) concepts of "knowledge creep" and "decision accretion"; (3) allegation that evaluation is used to legitimate a decision maker's previously determined course of action; and (4) the importance of validity and utility in evaluation. (Author/RL)

In comparing several research and evaluation studies, the author contends that variation in outcomes may provide clues to valuable information. Five examples are used to illustrate how conflicting findings can be useful. (RLV)

Discusses new roles for physics research in cooperating with other sciences and applying physical principles for the general benefit of mankind. (MLH)

The vote-counting method of research integration disregards sample size and important descriptive information. Meta-analysis allows for integration of vast amounts of information, standardizes measuring scales, and overcomes contradictory findings. Two objections to meta-analysis are inclusion of studies of poor quality and the issue of…

Addresses these questions: To what end is evidence sought? What is the nature of evidence? What kinds of evidence are valued by the nursing profession? and What kinds of evidence should underlie clinical decision making? (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

Provides an historical background for evidence-based practice and methods for assimilating research into practice. Information searching, systematic reviews, and other decision-making models are discussed using specific questions for establishing policy guidelines. Stresses the need for evidence-based practice implementing the best-known practices…

Highlights relationships between theory and practice and the genesis of professional action in clinical nursing and among researchers. Suggests that clinical nurses learn from context, including each other, and are active producers of knowledge, not merely recipients. Concludes there is no research-practice gap as argued in the dominant barrier…

Area of expertise (AOE) teams are more permanent, self-directed, integrative, and empowered with resources than traditionally organized teams. Using the AOE team approach in Michigan Extension and the Agricultural Experiment Station has improved capacity to deliver educational programs. (SK)

A survey of Scottish registered nurses (680 of 936 responded) revealed a correlation between higher education levels and their use of research in practice. Nurses who read at least one journal regularly, had more study leave, or attended research classes also had higher levels of research use. (SK)

Explores how multimedia records, especially digital video, can enhance the analysis and presentation of research findings and can facilitate mixed-method research designs. Draws analogies between mixing methods and mixing technologies. (Author/SLD)

"When Research Matters" considers the complex and crucially important relationship between education research and policy. In examining how and under what conditions research affects education policy, the book focuses on a number of critical issues: the history of the federal role in education policy; the evolving nature of educational…

This article explores the applicability of interdisciplinary research on the implementation of technological innovations to the field of e-learning research. Arguing that there are important ways in which e-learning systems can be treated as "technological innovations," this article presents a review of several key theoretical and research design…

This article presents the author's response to comments on her article, "Will a Clinical Approach Make Education Research More Relevant for Practice?", which focused on the question of whether a clinical research practice might make education research more relevant for practice. The characteristics of a clinical approach are: (1) an overlap in the…

This article explores issues raised in knowledge transformation processes through three separate, but related lenses. It starts with a discussion of the relationship between knowledge transformation and research outputs. In so doing, it encompasses both direct research outputs, that is research reports and papers in journals, and indirect outputs,…

This brief represents part 1 in a series on fostering the adoption of evidence-based practices in out-of-school time programs. The lag between discovering effective practices and using them "on the ground" can be unnecessarily long, sometimes taking 15 to 20 years! The purpose of this brief is to provide practitioners with a better understanding…