In comparing several research and evaluation studies, the author contends that variation in outcomes may provide clues to valuable information. Five examples are used to illustrate how conflicting findings can be useful. (RLV)

The vote-counting method of research integration disregards sample size and important descriptive information. Meta-analysis allows for integration of vast amounts of information, standardizes measuring scales, and overcomes contradictory findings. Two objections to meta-analysis are inclusion of studies of poor quality and the issue of…

The Editorial Projects in Education Research Center, with support from the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, has conducted a study of the factors that have influenced the educational policy landscape during the past decade. Using a two-stage survey methodology, leading education-policy experts were asked first to identify and then to rate highly…

Responds to a recent article, on the grounds that the author does not acknowledge that the R&D model is controversial and dated, does not pay adequate attention to political variables, and ignores basic shortcomings of the R&D model. (Author)

This study aims to a) assess the experience of recent Ph.D. recipients, b) explore the origins and uses of some financial and non-financial resources, and c) examine the perceptions and use by graduates of the research efforts within the University of Michigan. The students' relationship to research was assessed by awareness of research projects,…

Discusses historic technological barriers to use of the brain in teaching/learning theories, compares medical profession's early move to biological research to educators' long reticence, describes new computer-based brain monitoring technology, and proposes greater involvement of educators in brain research and related technological developments.…

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how quantitative research articles can be made much more reader-friendly. It illustrates how statistical language and research terminology can be simplified in reports. The paper also demonstrates how quantitative reports could be restructured to make them more reader friendly without sacrificing any…

The role of research in higher education is analyzed with a history of how it achieved its status and an analogy of what circumstances must surround its continuance. (HS)

Field development should be thought of as a process for solving problems. This process is carried out by adapting both knowledge and materials within the context that they exist. (4 references) (Author)

A study was made of citations from the "American Educational Research Journal,""Review of Educational Research," and "Educational Researcher" to determine: (1) which journal is most cited; (2) sources that most cited the literature appearing in these journals; and (3) the citation characteristics of the most cited articles in each of these…

Quantitative and qualitative research of a case study course confirmed that the course achieved a highly interactive learning experience, associated with more effective student support and high student retention. Computer conferencing achieved high participation from the beginning and evidence of dialogue and argumentation within online tutor…

A major tenet of both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act is the identification and use of evidence-based practices, or those instructional techniques shown by research as most likely to improve student outcomes meaningfully. However, much confusion exists regarding the meaning and potential…

Using evidence-based practices, or those instructional techniques shown by research to improve student outcomes meaningfully, increases the performance of students with disabilities and should therefore be a priority for special educators. But how does a practice come to be considered evidence based? The unique characteristics of group…

In response to recent trends and legislation, the concept of implementing evidence-based practices has become a critical component of contemporary schooling. It is important that teachers and families of students with disabilities understand the role that qualitative research plays in determining whether a practice is in fact evidence based.…