Contends that qualitative research methods may improve understanding of individual students and groups of students. Discusses key questions in determining appropriateness of qualitative methods for research, evaluations, and policy analysis. Recommends that student affairs professionals consider using qualitative methods in their study of students…

Describes an ethnographic case study of the collaboration on the production of an executive letter for a corporation's annual report. Notes that the study used triangulation (multiple methods to view a single object) in an effective manner. (RS)

Presents the phenomenon of ethnographic countertransference as an often overlooked aspect of qualitative research. Claims that researchers working in a qualitative paradigm must learn to recognize their own unconscious ethnographic countertransference as a source of information and bias, and use it effectively as a source of information. (EMK)

Discusses the concept of identity and its relation to language and social interaction. Suggests the need to accept both quantitative and qualitative methods, in which the richness and variability of language in use is emphasized. (Author/VWL)

Uses a poststructuralist and postmodernist critique, anchored in Foucault's work, to inform a critical ethnography, contending that one way to open up more room for critical and imaginative dialog about fairness, decency, and respect is to encourage the play of memory in ethnographic text. The paper demonstrates the utility of memoirs as a useful…

Utilizes naturalistic inquiry to interview Anne, a former assistant dean for an academic division at an ivy league school. Anne discusses the influence that the 1985 publication of Richard Moll's "The Public Ivys" has had on private higher education and on her campus in particular. (MKA)

Critiques Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot's and Jessica Hoffmann Davis' work, "The Art and Science of Portraiture," from a postmodern perspective, critically examining assumptions and methods of portraiture, questioning the portraitist's authority in arbitrarily and unilaterally creating portraits, and suggesting that the problem with portraiture as a…

Because true diversity challenges dominant discourses, those in power attempt to assimilate competing discourses in the name of diversity. An example is the judging of qualitative research proposals by the rules of quantitative research, which inevitably disadvantages qualitative research. (Contains 21 references. Includes commentary by Dawn…

One major issue in the field of mathematics education is what type or types of research should play the critical role. Describes major research categories and applications, and elaborates on the future of mathematics education research toward consensus and rapprochement in this area. (Contains 26 references.) (ASK)

Chwalisz (2003) proposed an evidence-based practice model for training in counseling psychology, based on the apparent failures of the scientist-practitioner model and the need for an expanded view of scientific evidence. Although I am sympathetic to the model she developed, and also to a local clinical scientist model that I have written about…

Teacher effectiveness is an issue that has received increased attention in recent years, as researchers have become aware of limitations in models that see the school as the key arena for improving pupil learning outcomes. This renewed interest makes it timely to look again at the methods used in teacher effectiveness research. This article…

This study examines textual analysis methodology as applied to mass communication studies. It focuses particularly on the theoretical basis of textual analysis, the analytical process, and congruent theoretical perspectives. Although the term "textual analysis" is often used generically, this study differentiates textual analysis as…

An interpretation is provided of the philosopher L. Wittgenstein's analyses of mental states. The theoretical implications of these analyses for cognitive development and qualitatively oriented researchers are discussed. The mental states examined are: (1) pain; (2) remembering; (3) calculating/adding; (4) following a rule; and (5) reading.…

Although education scholars have long valued contributions of the social sciences to theory and practice, educational researchers have contributed a significant legacy for organizational theory. By focusing the debate on culture and politics, the new paradigm shift in education interprets organizations as being rational, symbolic, and political.…

Provides an overview of this special issue. All papers emphasize the power invested in human service organizations, showing it is up to participants in group care situations to make them work effectively. (LHW)