Besides giving examples of the complexity of human interactions, the study of literature can give the college administrator a sensitivity to the particular circumstances of individual cases and to the tone and symbolic meanings of administrative actions. (Author/MSE)

The role of regional associations in providing professional development for institutional researchers is examined. On-campus and exchange internships for students, workshops for newly appointed researchers, visitation programs, reports, topical research sessions, and grant proposals are suggested as possible regional activities. (Author/SF)

Strategies for researching policy change in higher education from a political point of view are discussed, based on three assumptions: politics is not only power but also research for solutions to collective problems; explanation of policy change calls for configurative models to enlighten relationships between structural and individual factors;…

A discussion of comparative higher education looks at the types of comparative studies that can be attempted, and whether they must test pre-constructed hypotheses. Some of these hypotheses are outlined. The contributions of a current international comparative study (United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden) are examined. (MSE)

The content of graduate courses on qualitative research methods in higher education research is discussed. Major topics suggested include entree and building rapport, field notes and data management, adequacy criteria, ethics in qualitative inquiry, site selection, and writing the case study. (Author/MSE)

Based on a review of literature (from 1951-91) on higher education and a study of corporate ethical behavior, it is concluded that the university lacks information on its own ethical behavior. Increased institutional research on moral behavior, explicit standards, and university ethics committees to induce morally sensitive behavior are…

A national survey of 75 directors of doctoral programs in higher education found that program missions are greatly affected by their reputation, governance, and organizational structure. High-reputation programs are distinctive in a variety of ways. Less prestigious programs may be able to capitalize best on local and regional missions.…

If doctoral programs in higher education are to prepare practitioners for leadership in colleges and universities and scholars for the field of study, the future social roles of higher education institutions must be analyzed to determine the skills their leaders will need. A variety of program models may be useful. (MSE)

Examines quantitative studies, especially small-scale statistical probes, which have become the dominant mode of inquiry in higher education, but criticisms of this approach are mounting. Describes the presuppositions of this prevailing mode, and several strands of criticism, noting how education and social research have changed over four decades.…

Reviews the history of higher education as both a professional field and a disciplinary field in light of the current relationship between researchers and practitioners. Suggests that it is necessary to balance the competing interests of theory and research with the practical requirements of practice and policy. Suggests a focus on integration for…

After reviewing suggestions offered in the other papers in this volume for addressing the research/practice gap in higher education, this final paper discusses how national organizations and professional associations can serve as change agents in building bridges between researchers and practitioners. (DB)

Analyzes interview data from 24 higher education faculty from 19 universities to assess the extent to which the cumulative advantage perspective was consistent with experiences they described as significant to their publishing productivity. Two factors voiced by a majority of participants relatively late commitment to an academic career and the…

Discusses the complexity facing South African researchers in higher education as they try to overcome the heritage of the old, fragmented higher education system. Necessary paradigm shifts are identified, as are focus areas for improving the quality of South African higher education research at both national and institutional levels. (DB)

Proposes that higher education scholars distinguish among professional subjects taught to undergraduates as they do among traditional disciplines. Other distinctions may be more meaningful than the research-based dimensions used in the popular Biglan classification. A framework for differentiating collegiate career fields is proposed, evidence…

A survey of higher education programs found that nine of the programs offer an area of concentration in institutional research and 17 programs have an institutional research core course. These programs are identified and the content of the curriculum is described. Planning topics received the most emphasis in courses. (Author/MLW)