Noting that in the contemporary world, rhetorical experimentation has proliferated at almost geometric rates, this paper proposes that an understanding of rhetorical variables will help in acquiring an overview and understanding of that rhetorical experimentation. Defining rhetorical variables as all the elements that can take different values in…

The state of the art of randomized social field experiments is discussed. Topics discussed include disciplines of primary actors involved in such research, scientific value of experimentation, the nation's capacity to conduct field experiments, and society's willingness to permit such experiments. (TJH)

In psychology, experimental studies are susceptible to the biases of the investigator in problem formulation, operationalization, sample selection, and data interpretation. Thus, what we regard as an objective, value-free approach to science is neither unbiased nor value-free. (GC)

Discusses the relation between science education and the philosophy of science, and changes in the philosophy of science over the past 20 years. Includes notes on the nature of science, Einstein's contributions, scientific methodology, and justification for doing laboratory work. (SK)

Reviews the contributions of anthropology in educational experiments designed to help educationally and socially disadvantaged children. Cautions that educational psychology will retain its hegemony in educational research, unless anthropology is able to show how educational failure can be reversed. (GC)

Innovation is difficult to define because a practice which is innovative on one campus may not be innovative elsewhere. Nevertheless, a possible definition might be "a practice which is worthy of emulation and has not yet been put into use by a significant number of colleges." Administrators should seek instructional innovation for several…

Aims of classroom-centered research on second language learning and teaching are considered and contrasted with the experimental approach. Attention is briefly directed to methodological problems of experiments, such as controlling classroom events in various ways, and to conceptual weaknesses with study variables. In contrast, classroom-centered…

The scientific method is described as intending to be the guarantor of objectivity, neutrality, and diligent application of its rigorous procedures and to produce a body of cumulative knowledge that is systematic and general. The central argument of this essay addresses the discovery that research findings appear to be context-dependent; methods…

Microcomputers can perform two distinct functions in high school science classes, providing computer-assisted instruction and serving as tools in experimentation. This report describes a project based on three premises: that science is primarily the process of examining, modeling, and understanding nature; that the best way to learn science is by…

This paper argues for extending the definition of "technology" in education to include much more than just computers, and for recognizing the dangers of using technology for its entertainment purposes. Two conceptions of the proper use of technology in science classrooms are offered: (1) technology as tool; and (2) technology as topic. Specific…

Laboratory simulations combine the strengths of lab experiments and field studies while avoiding many of their liabilities. They permit the emotional involvement, the time needed for development of norms and interlocked systems of interaction, and the broad range of variables typical of field settings, yet allow for experimental controls and…

Students set in their ways are usually reluctant, as a general rule, to deal with open-ended investigative scenarios. In order to acquaint the student with the physical method and philosophical thought process of the discipline, the tone of the course must be set early on. The present study was conducted to develop scenarios and microbial model…

This analysis of the relationship between science education and technology over the past 15 years focuses on lessons learned from research on learning and instruction, the relationship between the teacher and technology, and the influence of technological advances on educational practice. Five conclusions are drawn: (1) courseware authoring…

There is some confusion in discriminating basic educational research (which explores the why's and how's of learning) from applied research (which seeks to test the implications of basic research results) because some investigations are conceived without a clear purpose. Thus, it is not uncommon for researchers to suggest implications that…

This description of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL) for science focuses on experiments with a motion detector by non-science majors at Tufts University. Exercises had been used previously with sixth grade middle school students, indicting the effectiveness of MBL for students with a wide range of abilities. (Author/LRW)