Responds to T. Anderson and C. West's article in the same issue (which criticized the methodological foundations of an earlier article by the current author). Discusses epistemological assumptions of the Anderson and West article. Addresses the nature of meaning and interpretation. Discusses Anderson and West's deterministic assumptions. (RS)

This paper examines paradigm proliferation in the context of ongoing efforts by the federal government in the US to regulate academic research. It argues that these efforts amount to an attempt to reposition and de-center universities as sites of knowledge production, not just about education but across domains. The paper examines this politics as…

Extends the discussion of an article by J. Myers published in an earlier issue of this journal. Suggests that Myers's response to earlier critiques failed to address major criticisms. Readdresses 12 criticisms regarding research methodology, the role of the researcher, researcher-subject relationship, standards for researchers, and the notion of…

One strategy to prevent confusion as new paradigms emerge is to have professionals in the area develop and use a standard model of the phenomenon in question. The development and use of standard models in physics, genetics, archaeology, and cosmology have been very productive. The cognitive revolution in psychology and education has produced a…

Discusses the role and consistency of judges' interpretations of teacher performance as part of an evaluative scheme for complex performance, with reference to the ideological framework of professional standards. The tension between assessment decisions and the recognition that assessment involves interpretation is explored. (SLD)

This paper considers nonempirical trends in Western thought and applies them to special education. Critical theory, postmodernism (a world view), and narrative as a form of interpretive research are introduced. A discussion and accompanying table identify characteristics of good qualitative research. (DB)

The argument of this book is that the modern American university has given up its responsibility to provide a thoughtful, coherent, and well-articulated education to undergraduates. It is asserted that the university should be neither a trade school nor a repository of tradition, but rather an institution with the responsibility for the…

Criticizes current educational trends, specifically the lack of critical standards and the tendency to sacrifice content in favor of promoting self-esteem. Argues that the depth and greatness of the humanities is lost in classrooms infatuated with feel-good activities and cultural relativism. (MJP)