Outlines the recent transition, within educational research, from conflict to cooperation between quantitative and qualitative approaches. Asserts that compatibility is based on a confusion between method as technique and method as logic of justification. Argues that the claim of compatibility cannot be sustained and blocks an interesting and…

Researchers studying the educational uses of computers can learn from the mistakes of television research. They should: avoid asking whether computers teach better than other media; utilize holistic as well as standard experimental paradigms; and realize that when learners encounter a new medium, a wide range of usages and outcomes should be…

Discusses the role of research methodology as disciplined inquiry in educational research. Uses examples to address issues of generalizability of results, precision, and choice of research methods. (MK)

Debates the value of experimentation as a tool in educational research. (MK)

Describes the history of peer review at the National Institute of Education (NIE) and discusses some broad principles of federal research management and peer review. Notes recent recommendations for improvement in peer review procedures and sketches procedures that will guide NIE in an upcoming lab and center competition. (Author/KH)

Describes administrative changes at the National Institute of Education (NIE) over the last four years and relates these to NIE's recent revision of its peer review system. Briefly describes changes in peer review and asserts that the new system provides researchers great opportunity for participation in maintaining quality research. (KH)

Discusses application of microcomputer technology to educational research and describes the possible uses of computer networking for communication with colleagues. Focuses on the organization and structure of the Education Research Forum on CompuServe. Considers advantages and costs of networking in general and for the American Educational…

Examines the structure of Indian teacher education, current criticisms of it, and the themes of research and innovation. Identifies many parallels between North American and Indian practices and asserts that, like the American system, the structure of Indian teacher education lacks mechanisms to promote experimentation and research. (KH)

In educational research, rigid distinctions between the relative merits of quantitative research often rest on positivistic dogma. In contrast, post-positivistic thought eliminates the intractable problem engendered by positivistic epistemology of a forced choice between value-laden and value-free research methods. (KH)

Argues that defining "progress" is fundamental to understanding how effective educational research is in improving practice. Discusses the problem of partial specification and its consequences for defining the research-practice relationship. Presents three different, but complementary, approaches to defining "progress": literally, interpretively,…

Proposes a sex equity research agenda for each of the divisions of the American Educational Research Association. Identifies epistemological equality, concepts and definitions of sex equity, and methodology as fundamental concerns. Suggests activities intended to advance a dialogue that will assist in defining the research area of sex equity. (KH)

In the educational research literature, alpha and p are often conflated. Paradoxically, alpha retains a prominent place in textbook discussions, but it is often supplanted by p in the results sections of journal articles. Because alpha and p have unique uses, researchers should continue to employ both conventions in summarizing the outcomes of…

Discusses disparities in academic achievement between students in Japan, China, and the United States. Points out differences in child rearing, educational, and instructional methods that contribute to the discrepancies. Recommends that American schools use class time more effectively. (PS)

Describes background, goals, methods, and preliminary findings of the PACE-ACE study, which analyzed how California middle schools and high schools have changed in response to state and local pressures for reform. Discusses how those changes occurred. (PS)

Discusses goals, results, and effects of the Texas Examination of Current Administrators and Teachers (TECAT). The test may have damaged public esteem for teachers because stories of teacher incompetence and trepidation appeared alongside easy test examples. (PS)