Drawing from Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, Tschannen-Moran, Woolfolk Hoy and Hoy (1998) proposed an integrated model of teacher efficacy to aid the understanding of this complex construct. This framework, despite its richness and usefulness in framing teacher efficacy research within the education landscape, is barely examined in the…

This paper begins by illustrating how the social model of disability currently dominant in emancipatory disability research projects a reality "out there". Drawing on John Law's (2004) writing on how statements are turned into taken-for-granted assumptions, we argue that the model of research exemplified by Colin Barnes (2002) stifles rather than…

Evidenced in several now classic reviews of the field, much has been made of theoretical and methodological "difference" with regard to research in the sociology of education. Although such renditions often constitute important intellectual contributions, the authors suggest that it is increasingly important to read across theoretical and…

This article offers a defence of critical realism in the face of objections Nash (2005) makes to it in a recent edition of this journal. It is argued that critical and scientific realisms are closely related and that both are opposed to statistical positivism. However, the suggestion is made that scientific realism retains (from statistical…

What kinds of diversity initiatives and cross-racial interactions foster learning among diverse students? In response to that question, the authors trace various social psychological theories that inform campus diversity programs. Making a case for moving beyond traditional "intergroup harmony" or "intragroup solidarity" approaches, the authors…

Discusses two types of research--the "new structuralism" approach and "work and personality" studies--on the occupational attainment aspect of social mobility. Suggests that a life course approach to social mobility processes may provide a basis for integrating the structural and social psychological perspectives. Contains 25…

Discusses incorporating the dynamics of complex systems, as presented in the theory of dissipative structures, into models of evolving social systems. Considers the importance of instability and minor and random events and the limits of forecasting, generalization, and control. Concludes that the nonlinear paradigm represents a link between…

Defends Merton's theory of strain and crime against recent criticism on the grounds that conceptual reinterpretations have differed from Merton's original statement. Through the analysis of data reported by 1614 juveniles, examines the empirical and theoretical implications of the reconciliation of strain implied in its current use. (Author/BJV)

Points out unresolved issues in stratification theory and measurement and discusses implications for family research. Presents results of a survey of the use of socioeconomic stratification variables in family research articles, 1991-93. Asserts the need to place socioeconomic variables in theoretical concept. (JPS)

Defines the theory of the Afrocentric conception, and comments on Afrocentric research methodology. The Afrocentric conception is likely to succeed if it constructs a particularist theory in contrast to cross-cultural relativism and because it relies on the methodology of the absolute rather than the comparative. (SLD)

This book, designed for advanced courses on parent-child relationships, examines scientific evidence concerning parents' effect on children's development. Chapter 1, "The Development of Child-Rearing Research: From Mere Beliefs to a More Dynamic Perspective," discusses the beginnings of and current trends in child rearing research and…

A revision of the Westley-MacLean model of 1957 for communication research accommodates an incorporation of some of the research areas that have blossomed during the last three decades. The revision concentrates on two aspects of the original: (1) organizational features within the advocate, communicator and audience roles; and (2) environmental…

The author attempts to categorize the methodological approaches which have been used in self-disclosure research, identify some of the important problems that attend these research procedures, and propose some alternative strategies for future research on self-disclosure. He discusses correlational and experimental research strategies. The…

The multidimensionality of the power concept has been more systematically explicated, but research efforts continue to be primarily concerned with decision-making outcome. Perhaps the documented patterns of slightly husband-dominant, though increasingly shared or equalitarian, decision making reflect a change in normative expectations rather than…