The purpose of this article is to illustrate how theory and particularly the theoretical perspective of social constructionism can influence the ways in which scholars conduct qualitative research studies in the area of family systems. The authors argue for the importance of theory in qualitative research projects and promote researchers' clear…

This booklet contains the proceedings of a conference designed to elicit discussion, reactions, comments, and recommendations with respect to the value, desirability, significance, and budgetary problems involved in carrying out scientific research programs at comprehensive universities (those having either no Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs…

The Experience Based Career Education (EDCE) program serves as a focal point of a cast study documenting how the National Institute of Education secured Office of Education funds to demonstrate an R&D innovation. Serious questions are raised about the regulations-writing process and the use of evaluation information. (Author/LC)

"A Study of Schooling" surveyed principals, teachers, parents, and students and observed 1,016 classes in 38 schools. Themes arising from the data involve how teachers teach, what is taught, goals and expectations assigned schools, and difficulties in changing teaching methods. A followup article will appear in the journal's April issue.…

Provides recommendations for improving the quality and relevance of rehabilitation research. Recommendations include (a) increasing positive collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and disabled consumers in the planning, designing, and implementation of rehabilitation research projects; (b) expanding the use of single-case experimental…

Proposes a research agenda, based on a case-study methodology, that focuses on whole curriculum policy at the school level, as opposed to focusing on particular subjects. Also lays the groundwork for a research project that has implications for nongovernment schooling throughout the English-speaking world. (Contains 38 references.) (WFA)

This Office of Technology Assessment report on the current state of research and development in the telecommunications industry in the United States examines four specific areas of research as case studies: computer architecture, artificial intelligence, fiber optics, and software engineering. It discusses the structure and orientation of some…

Lessons learned by the University of Arizona through participation in two major scientific projects, construction of an astronomical observatory and a super cyclotron, are discussed. Four criteria for institutional participation in such projects are outlined, including consistency with institutional mission, adequate resources, leadership, and…

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)

Issues and trends relating to science and technology, liberal education and the aims of the university, and academic governance in U.S. universities are considered in 10 essays. Questions are raised concerning: whether universities should be linked to industrial research projects, how America's universities should respond to the wave of computer…

The paper assesses four community based world affairs education projects--Columbus-in-The World (CITW), Kettering-Findlay Experiment (KFE), Community International Education Consultation (CIEC), Overseas Development Council, and Kettering Foundation Transnational Dialogues on Food and Development (TND). The objectives of the paper are to assess…

This paper reviews the background of and compares three particular approaches to reflective professional development, specifically as used by Far West Laboratory: case methods, the Peer Assisted Leadership process, in which peer partners observe each other, conduct reflective interviews, construct leadership models, and explore alternate ways to…

Ethical dilemmas faced by many academicians in the course of their work activities and role demands are described in eight articles and 24 case illustrations. Article titles and authors are as follows: "The Academician as Good Citizen" (Bruce H. Charnov); "Fundamental Means to Ethical Teaching" (Gordon A. Walter, Mary Ann Von Glinow); "Concern for…

Papers concerning higher education planning and management in the 1980s that were contributed to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems competition for the Planning and Financing Program are presented. The papers, submitted by administrators, researchers, and a student, are as follows: "Faculty Reallocation: Plattsburgh…

We reflect on methodological issues arising in two of our own research projects as a form of practice, as a way of engaging in a praxis of project research. The projects chosen for this purpose are themselves concerned with teacher education and curriculum development in environmental education: they include participatory "reflective…