Uses a study of a network newcomer to highlight some of the decisions that networked communication researchers face in developing a sound study. (RS)

Discusses epistemological and methodological issues regarding aptitude-treatment interactions (ATI) in psychotherapy. Noting that track record of interactional research is not very encouraging, argues that ATI research should focus on heuristic goal of illuminating mechanisms and processes that make therapies differentially effective. Suggests…

Sees need for research examining differences among psychotherapy treatments to use model to narrow search for variables mediating between treatment type and outcome. Asserts that tests of treatment selection models that cut across narrow theoretical differences among psychotherapies and that operationalize definitions of patient types hold promise…

Defining hunger on the basis of poverty or other nonphysiological criteria is misleading. With nutritional data used by human-service agencies, suggests programs with such conception of hunger hurt the efforts at nutritional change. Uses central Mississippi as an example to propose objective nutritional definition and assessment. (TES)

Discusses the issue of the cultural authority of mainstream Protestantism in twentieth century in the United States. Posits the author's understanding of the historical issues involved in studying mainstream protestantism. (DB)

The disparity between methodology and empirical research literature is examined to suggest a cause for the casual acceptance of null hypotheses simply because obtained differences are not statistically significant. Analysis of training for psychological researchers suggests that programs have not emphasized the comprehensive evaluation of all…

Six potential problems with the use of randomized experiments to evaluate programs in the field are addressed. Problems include treatment dilution, treatment contamination or confounding, inaccurate case flow and power estimates, violations of the random assignment processes, changes in the environmental context, and changes in the treatment…

It is asserted that the statistical arguments proposed by Humphreys are not supported by the formula he presents. The disagreement with Larson is with the contention that there exists one correct theoretical framework in which intelligence research should be posed. The respective viewpoints are seen as complementary, not competing. (SLD)

Although the research on teacher effectiveness provides a vocabulary and system for improving insights into good teaching, it may induce rigidity into our viewpoints. Following only the research on teaching can put too much emphasis on specific behaviors that cannot be easily measured or prescribed in advance. Includes 24 references. (MLH)

The editor of the "Biblical Archaeology Review" defends publication of an unauthorized copy of the Dead Sea Scrolls transcripts, which used the reconstructive work of others. The ethics of publishing reconstructed transcripts, the history of the documents since their discovery, and the rights and responsibilities of scholars are…

Agrees with many of the points expressed in Herbert Zimiles's criticism of quantitative research in this issue, but argues that the shortcomings identified by Zimiles are present in many qualitative studies as well. Both quantitative and qualitative research need to follow high standards of research design and execution. (MDM)

Despite the popularity of outcome-based education, research documenting its effects is rare. As an umbrella concept embracing various reform efforts, OBE defies easy definition. This article explains two OBE models (Mastery Learning and the Outcomes-Driven Developmental Model used in Johnson City, New York, Schools) and summarizes recent state OBE…

Evaluation of a faculty development in gerontology program used structured interviews, self-reports, and questionnaires to obtain reliable evidence. Methodological problems encountered were identifying institutional and individual effects, selecting measurement methods, and designing outcomes evaluation instruments. (SK)

Discusses Lawrence A. Hirschfeld's (1995) experiments, which Hirschfeld claims demonstrate that preschoolers use a biologically grounded theory in reasoning about race. Argues that the methods used cannot address the issue and therefore, the results do not support Hirschfeld's claims. Maintains that the experiments fail to demonstrate that 4- and…

Debates points raised by S. G. Grant and Kathryn Tzetzo in their critique of the authors'"Handbook on Teaching Social Education," particularly claims that the book gives mixed messages to teachers regarding content, teaching methods, and the definition of issues-centered education, and that it leaves related questions unanswered. (DSK)