This article responds to Wright and Nelson's (1995) call for a "creative synthesis" of participant observation and participatory research, which may allow the limitations of both methods to be addressed. It does so by reflecting on the experience of doing long-term research both with and on young Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. Although…

In this commentary, we demonstrate how the potential outcomes framework can help understand the key identification assumptions underlying causal mediation analysis. We show that this framework can lead to the development of alternative research design and statistical analysis strategies applicable to the longitudinal data settings considered by…

P. J. Kellman, P. Garrigan, & T. F. Shipley presented a theory of 3-D interpolation in object perception. Along with results from many researchers, this work supports an emerging picture of how the visual system connects separate visible fragments to form objects. In his commentary, B. L. Anderson challenges parts of that view, especially the idea…

Defines the essence of ethnographic research as describing and interpreting cultural behavior. Clarifies why some characteristics of ethnography are not defining characteristics, considers what is meant by "culture," examines the ethnographic process, and discusses the application of ethnographic methods in the educational setting. (PGD)

The call for design research, design-based research, or design experiments arose from the recognition of the complexity of classroom interventions and dissatisfaction with existing methodologies for exploring the outcomes from such interventions. The goal of the proposed design research was to describe how interventions worked and was less about…

Outlines the ways that the life history method (a research technique based on autobiographical interviews) has been used in anthropology. Debates among French anthropologists on the method's validity are discussed. A study using life histories to examine the social functions of an Occitan language revival among French peasants is described. (AM)

Explores the erroneous assumptions underlying Burleson's criticism of Beatty and Payne and examines in context the evidence selected by Burleson to support his criticism. (NKA)

Oral life histories of two drug addicts' prison experiences are used to illustrate the kinds of insights into social problems which can be obtained by this method. (AM)

In response to criticisms of a study conducted by Shaffran and Decarie, the author underscores the need for objective, accurate peer evaluation. Errors and misinterpretations in the critical article are reported and corrected. (Author/RH)

Replies to Solomon's paper that basic criticisms made earlier of Shaffran and Decaries' study still apply. Views the study as essentially a confirmation of the null hypothesis based on weak measures. (Author/RH)

Describes the Experience Sampling Method, a quasi-naturalistic method that involves signaling research subjects at random times throughout the day, and asking them to report on the nature and quality of their experience. Discusses the method's applications and value in research topics in organizational settings; with mass and mediated…

Describes ways in which content analysis is being used in library and information science research. Methodological concerns are addressed, including selection of target documents, selection of samples to be analyzed, selection of categories for analysis, and elimination of researcher bias to assure reliability. (35 references) (LRW)

Replies to comments by David Rush concerning the effectiveness of a WIC program in improving pregnancy outcomes among Massachusetts women. (GC)

Presents the rationale for selecting topics to be covered in a special issue of "Educational Administration Quarterly" devoted to research methodology in educational administration. Provides a normative definition of the field of inquiry called "school administration," and describes how the articles published in the issue relate to the normative…

This investigation is a meta-level inquiry, an inquiry into the scope and procedures of inquiry in vocational education research. It is also an exercise in reflexive thinking about that research enterprise. (SSH)