Debates whether a text claiming to have scientific value is using seduction irresponsibly at the expense of the truth, and discusses who is the subject and who is the object of such seduction. It argues that, rather than being an assault against scientific ethics, seduction is a necessary premise for a sensible conversation to take place. (GR)

This statement of the National Institute of Mental Health Editors' Consortium discourages piecemeal publication of small amounts of data from the same study, requires study authors to inform editors about other manuscripts from the same study, and requires authors to submit copies of closely related manuscripts. (JDD)

Discusses the challenges of research writing and presents techniques for writers to follow that will aid in making their research writing readable and understandable for the intended audience. Suggestions include questions to address, and tips, hints, and reminders to improve writing skills. (JMV)

Introduces a special invited issue of this journal which presents four articles characterizing research in the field of classroom and school learning environments. One article illustrates a typical research study; and the others examine the development, validity, and use of learning environment instruments. A list of 65 references is included. (SM)

How policy is developed and how evaluators can participate in the process are discussed, focusing on federal evaluators. The strongest weapon of an evaluator is a short, easy-to-read report with a simple, compelling message. Federal policy evaluators must learn to be content with slow gains. (SLD)

This study investigated trends in the number and types of research articles published in selected special education journals in 1968, 1977, and 1986. Approximately half of the articles were not data based. Qualitative research accounted for about 6 percent of the research. Relatively stable rates of quantitative and qualitative research were found…

Reviews the literature on Bradford's law (i.e., an empirical relationship describing the distribution of scholarly articles in relevant journals). A model for the distribution of articles, based on random partitioning, is presented; and a mathematical formulation for a law of scattering is derived. The relationship of the model to Bradford's law…

This article presents a rationale for improving descriptions of samples of persons with learning disabilities in research reports. Guidelines resulting from a working conference of journal editors in the field of learning disabilities are presented. The guidelines aim to allow for study-to-study comparisons and actual replications. (JDD)

Reported is a study of types of errors exhibited by students of intermediate algebra at the college level and the effect the time of day instruction has on students' performance. Results indicated that two types of errors, conceptual and prerequisite, and that student performance is better in the morning. (MDH)

As of August 14, 1991, the Agriculture Department will require institutions to have written plans for providing exercise for laboratory dogs and for improving the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates. The plans will dictate the way universities approach animal research. However, the costs and requirements of universities are still…

Reviews the use and interpretation of canonical correlation analysis in 1978-89 "Journal of Educational Research" articles. Wide variation in the use of terminology was found across 10 articles reporting 11 studies. Because supplementary analyses are now available, researchers are encouraged to use the model more fully when interpreting…

Summarizes the principles of instrument validity and reliability and identifies deviations from these principles in a random sample of 55 research studies published in 1989 in 5 refereed nursing journals targeted toward practicing clinicians. Provides documentation, justification, and suggestions for nursing educators, journal editors, and…

The controversy about the relative importance of heredity and environment and the role of parents in children's behavior explored by Harris is not new. Although her book offers no new policy guidance, it does offer some useful academic suggestions by clarifying the plentiful scientific evidence of the importance of genetics in behavior. (SLD)

Presents a collection of examples of familiar erroneous grammatical constructions in a scientific context, and provides suggestions for improved sentence structure. (WRM)

Significance tests are often used inappropriately in counseling research. In addition to comments on the significance test controversy (Vacha-Haase and Nilsson, this issue), a wider historical context and personal experiences are provided. The controversy is discussed, and seven recommendations for using significance tests are included. (EMK)