Practices of generating, analyzing, and using evidence play a central role in the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the NGSS. However, the construct of evidence remains largely underspecified in these documents, providing insufficient guidance on how to engage students with the broad and complex nature of evidentiary reasoning. This creates…

Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research has sparked incredible scientific and public excitement, as well as significant controversy. hESCs are pluripotent, which means, in theory, that they can be differentiated into any type of cell found in the human body. Thus, they evoke great enthusiasm about potential clinical applications. They are…

In this article, the author's comments are divided into two parts. In the first part, he tries to compose succinct formulations of the three challenges with which Professor Ericsson has confronted giftedness researchers. The following are Ericsson's three challenges of giftedness research: (1) Is there empirical evidence that reproducibly superior…

The paper opens by characterizing recent discourse about empirical educational research as the "new Babel"-critics, using different theoretical vocabularies and making different deep assumptions about the nature of social life, are failing to communicate with each other. After locating some of the critical positions on a left-right continuum, the…

Examines the definitions of scientifically based research in education seen in recent national legislation and policy and used to affect decisions about the future of education programs and directions of education research. Suggests there are differences among these definitions and their purposes, asserting that these definitions, together with…

The norms of science define appropriate and inappropriate scholarly or research role performance. The four norms described in this study are (1) universalism: research is assessed on its merit, not particularistic criteria; (2) commonality: research must be made public and shared with the research community; (3) disinterestedness: research is…

Like good researchers, writers about research need to be able to tell whether scientific findings are valid. Six questions, to be asked of the researcher, can help the writer explain to others. A healthy skepticism is also important; there may be signals that more questions should be asked. (MSE)

Acceptance of a paradigm in the scientific community depends upon persuasion, upon the supplying of "good reasons" for supporting one paradigm over another. When one paradigm gains long-term acceptance and becomes the standard for scientific thought, scientists defer to such an authority in their thinking, and such established paradigms…

Describes the reaction of the scientific community to the issue of responsible conduct in research. Cites the importance of professional standards and ethical values in scientific disciplines and explains that these are not readily learned from observation alone but must be addressed consciously. (DDR)

Federal involvement in higher education during 1950-1983 is reviewed. Policies and programs that have governed federal support of academic science and higher education are considered, particularly support for basic scientific research. The Soviet's success with Sputnik promoted change from modest funding for defense-related research at selected…