Discusses common beliefs and flaws in classroom research. Distinguishes among three kinds of empirical educational investigations. Suggests research designs which are considered to be sensible, selective, sound, sensitive, and simple. Describes designs using multiple classrooms for instructional-intervention experiments. (KS)

The mnemonic keyword study of Johnson, Adams, and Bruning (1985) on effectiveness of the keyword method for second-language vocabulary acquisition is critiqued. Of particular concern are literature currency vis-a-vis the authors' stated rationale for conducting the study, and methodological issues associated with the study's implementation.…

Journal editors respond to criticisms of reliance on statistical significance in research reporting. Joel R. Levin ("Journal of Educational Psychology") defends its use, whereas William D. Schafer ("Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development") emphasizes the distinction between statistically significant and important. William Asher…