In this paper, a black psychologist shares his thoughts, biases, and educated guesses pertaining to experimental psychology as it might relate to the psychoeducational needs of Afro-American children. First, some of the assumptions embodied in the empirical research enterprise are examined. It is noted that empirical research is a tool for gaining…

Three different approaches to the problem of linking educational knowledge producers and knowledge users are studied in this paper. First, data are reported describing the knowledge generation and knowledge communication behavior of twelve successful innovators. Second, characteristics of twelve programs, conceived to train persons as change…

This lecture describes and examines some of the problems encountered in educational research and suggests recommended courses of action that may result in a stronger, healthier, and more productive educational research and development (R and D) effort. The remarks are organized around the following headings: (1) "Balancing the Program of Research…

Discusses the need for application of research findings. (RC)

Particular concern at the slow pace with which the United States is making use of domestic energy technology, specifically nuclear power, is discussed with specific emphasis on a liquid metal fast breeder demonstration plant under consideration. (EB)

The User Interview Survey was conducted by the Evaluation Use Project (EUP). The goals of the survey, which were achieved, were gathering, categorizing, and analyzing information about evaluation use among elementary school decision makers. Most survey respondents agreed instructional and curricular issues were most important. It was found that…

This report reviews the 1980 activities of the Educational Dissemination Studies Program (EDSP), which is designed to (1) establish efficient means of communication for analyzing, monitoring, and communicating the status, needs, and accomplishments of educational dissemination performers; (2) increase the quality of and access to knowledge…

The Research and Development Exchange (RDx) is a network of eight regional educational laboratories, one university-based research and development center, and a consortium of seven state education agencies working to support state and local school improvement efforts. The RDx has four goals, designed to support dissemination and school improvement…

A followup study was conducted involving 22 teachers of learning disabled and behavior problem students to determine why databased instructional techniques, proven to be effective, did not lead to a change in teacher behavior that was maintained at the conclusion of the original study. Ss were interviewed about their perceptions of the strengths…

This paper examines the effect of a formal evaluation process upon educational change--specifically, the adoption of innovative reading programs and practices--at different organizational levels of implementation. Because of the size of the project (62 school systems, 142 designated schools, three sets of categorical funded projects), the…

National policy makers have put forth different life cycle planning proposals for the more satisfying integration of education, work and leisure over the life course. This speech describes a decision making scheme, the Time Paradigm, for researched-based choice among various proposals. The scheme is defined in terms of a typology of time-related…

This brief paper presents a sequential walk through a simple research setting--a two group experiment--to indicate common but avoidable design difficulties that may jeopardize the usefulness of the data obtained. The six flaws examined are the failure to select subjects from the population to which generalizations are to be made; failure to use…

This paper takes the position that the oral history approach has great value for educational research, not as a replacement of other procedures, but to augment other data collection approaches. In arriving at this position, various definitions of and theories about oral histories are reviewed, controversy over the validity of the limitations of…

The technique of causal modeling as applied to theoretical constructs in teacher education is demonstrated. The abstract principles of causality are explained, and are applied to various educational research needs. An example is made using data collected from a sample of 44 secondary level students who participated in a one semester student…