The article provides guidelines for readers who must read research articles but lack formal training in research and statistics. While discussing the purpose and content of each section of a research article (such as review of the literature, materials and procedures, and results) the author uses actual articles to illustrate her points.…

The core idea of action research is that there should be an intimate relationship between inquiry and practical or political activities. A challenge to this idea based on an influential ancient Greek hierarchy between theoria and praxis is examined. The contrary, pragmatist, notion that all inquiry arises out of human activity is accepted, but not…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project that identified organisational critical success factors (CSFs) for e-learning implementation in higher education (HE). These CSFs can be used as a theoretical foundation upon which to base decision-making and strategic thinking about e-learning. Design/methodology/approach: The…

A tested approach to college enrollment management is presented that offers a system to assess and develop options for researching, maintaining, or improving enrollment goals. The new approach, the Enrollment Management Matrix, consists of three dimensions: (1) key variables in enrollment management (institutional product, data and information,…

Discometrics, a field of study technically related to bibliometrics, employs statistical analysis of discographies to ascertain public demand for classical music. In addition to providing a tool for collection development, discometric surveys may have a variety of uses for educators, record company executives, music dealers, and scholars. (4…

The article suggests ways to make use of regression discontinuity to plan, implement, and evaluate gifted programs. It outlines how research data can illuminate rather than obscure program decisions. Making efficient use of multiple criteria identification data is discussed along with making program effectiveness decisions without using a control…

The concept of statistical significance is explained, with specific numerical illustrations. (MNS)

Describes the use of EXPER SIM (experimental simulation) as an instructional tool in speech communication research. Several sample models are offered along with a discussion of the advantages and drawbacks of using the computer for social science research. (JMF)

The article describes the methods and procedures of computerized statistical cartography, the production of statistical maps, and provides suggestions for its application in special education research and planning. (Author/CL)

Describes representative single-subject research designs and related statistical procedures for group counselors to study the effects of interventions in groups. Concludes that despite limitations, single-subject designs are useful for obtaining information about intervention effects with groups in direct service contexts that can be compared to…

This article defines classroom research and classroom assessment within the higher education context. Classroom research is the study of learning by disciplinary faculty in their classrooms, whereas classroom assessment is one approach to classroom research using feedback from students. (MSE)

Describes a project where students were given a small but real scientific question and allowed to deal with all aspects of the project just as a professional scientist would, rather than work on the science part only. (JRH)

The author discusses mathematics techniques for computing instantaneous velocities from data recorded via stroboscopic photography. (MJB)

The paper maintains that impact evaluation studies of programs serving handicapped infants and preschoolers should be restricted to scientifically defendable investigations. Specific types of impact studies and an evaluation process are suggested. It is suggested that program leaders should focus evaluation activities on the status of project…

Oral history was used extensively in writing a history of the Missouri School of Mines, now the University of Missouri-Rolla. The project is described. The process used in selecting candidates for interviews and the interview techniques are discussed. (RM)