The review of some recent studies on use of microcomputers in early childhood special education highlights methodological issues including the qualitative quantitative distinction and the interdependence of research design and interpretation. Imbedding qualitative methods into quasi- or true-experimental designs can provide more information than…

Considers contributions of basic/theoretical, applied/practical, and marketing research to the field of camping. Outlines research concerns: application of qualitative methods, practical application of marketing research, effective research dissemination, and focus on longitudinal studies using larger samples. Affirms role of research to document…

In recent years, many in anthropology have been challenging the positivist paradigm that dominated the field, with its assumption of the researcher as a transparent data gatherer and the notion of data as something to be collected through fieldwork. Questions of qualitative research methodology are also surfacing in education even as the divisions…

Addresses the relationships of qualitative researchers to the policy-making process. Uses the example of the Reading Excellence Act to demonstrate that qualitative researchers have many points of access to the policy-making process. Suggests qualitative researchers must provide relevant information, communicate in a straightforward manner,…

Describes the use of triangulation in research, a process that uses multiple measures or methods to examine a research question where a single data set would not be appropriate. Topics discussed include reliability; validity; concurrent validity; convergence; and problems in using analysis of variance as the only method to obtain data. (13…

Important differences in the theory and practice of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are highlighted. This article suggests that each of these methodologies can be improved by utilizing key ingredients of the other. (Author/IAH)

An assessment is provided of two papers responding to an article by P. Atkinson, S. Delamont, and M. Hammersley (1988) critiquing papers by E. Jacob (1987, 1988) on qualitative research traditions. Definitions of "tradition" and "research tradition," and the necessity to include British research in Jacob's meta-analysis are…

Responding to Arthur Blunmberg's critique of Bolin's article, the author supports grounding supervision in practice and using qualitative research methods. However, the status of teaching is devaluation of children in our society. Such values perpetuate the low status of teacher supervision. (MLH)

Focus group interviewing is presented as an interactive method of conducting qualitative research with potential applications in early intervention. A six-component process to guide focus group research involves formulate research questions, select participants, develop protocol, conduct focus groups, analyze data, and report the findings.…

Addresses epistemological questions about the nature of ontology, theoretical questions concerning the knowledge of sense perceptions, and methodological questions regarding the scientific truth-effect of procedures integral to arguments for and against the use of qualitative forms of analysis as a feasible and effective means for conducting…

Suggests that quantification is essential to establish the cost-effectiveness of source reduction (SR). Presents case studies of monitoring methods for seven different kinds of SR efforts: (1) packaging changes, (2) SR businesses, (3) waste exchanges, (4) individual nonresidential efforts, (5) variable garbage rates, (6) yard waste reduction, and…

Research is not simply about collecting data. Textual research that explores issues about the nature of human existence and knowledge is an appropriate way to answer the "why" questions. (SK)

This article describes the functions of ethnography and the primary themes that form the foundation for qualitative inquiry generally and ethnography specifically, as applied in the fields of education and communication disorders. Quantitative and qualitative methods are compared for inquiry conditions, analysis, researcher's role, orientation,…

Discusses methodological issues concerning qualitative research and describes research practices that qualitative researchers use to address these methodological issues. Topics discussed include the researcher as interpreter, the emergent nature of qualitative research, understanding the experience of others, trustworthiness in qualitative…

The article discusses the role of ethnography in anthropology, noting the values and goals of ethnographic research in cultural anthropology. It examines what is involved in conducting ethnographic research, focusing on specific concepts, principles, assumptions, and characteristics, and it discusses the value of ethnography in education. (SM)