Author presents his theories on educational research and seeks to stimulate other research theorists to build better theories about the patterning of research to meet the needs of a field of social practice. (Author/GB)

An analysis of the research in adult education undertaken in the 1960's in Quebec Province found the majority to be short term studies low in scientific theory and financially supported by sponsors who determine the direction and objectives. (The article is in French; an English abstract is appended.) (AJ)

In the course of qualification, many teachers of adults undertake research studies into adult education. Author points out how few of these researches are of a disciplinary nature; using music as an example, shows how more tutors might undertake research in their specialisms. (Author/CSS)

Because self-directed learning behaviors are inherently interwoven within a foundation of lifespan cognitive and contextual characteristics, researchers must examine the theory and application of self-directed learning not just as an externally-defined or self-perceived process but also as an internal process of continual development grounded in a…

In order for researchers to develop principles for successful adult education, they must use both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The first step in developing principles for adult education is to describe education and practices through descriptive research that objectively quantifies and classifies aspects of practice. Through an…

International scholarly effort in the comparative study of adult education has increased substantially over the past 20 years. The relationship between the state and adult education is one area, however, that has remained relatively neglected by researchers. In many countries, adult education has been largely the responsibility of voluntary…

One of a series of instructional booklets designed to introduce adult education program planners to the basic concepts integral to and alternative strategies for conducting needs assessments, this instructional booklet deals with determining what information to collect when conducting a needs assessment. Described first is the relationship of the…

Issues that are central to science when the object of inquiry is the human being need clarification and analysis. These issues can be formulated as a question, such as, "How can researchers in adult and continuing education conduct research that is empirical human science; that is, how can they study human beings as persons with values, will,…

These proceedings contain forty three- to seven-page papers presented at an adult education research conference as well as two alternate papers, a background paper for a poster session, and abstracts and background papers of six symposia. Focus of the reports is on research needs, tools, and methods as they pertain to adult education. Issues…

Prepared to introduce adult education program planners to the basic concepts integral to and alternative strategies for conducting needs assessments, this instructional handbook consists of a series of six chapters or instructional booklets (also available separately--see note.) Topics covered in each chapter are as follows: introduction to needs…

Originally presented at a forum on participatory research, these theoretical papers and case studies represent an effort to place the overall work of participatory research within the larger theoretical context of research methods, education, and structural change. In the first paper Orlando Fals Borda explores the relationship between science and…

A study assessed the feasibility of conducting a national cost-benefit analysis of vocational education and presented recommendations for future research on the relationship between vocational education costs and benefits. Following an analysis of the state of the art in utilizing cost-benefit methodologies to evaluate vocational education, a…

A study reviewed the measurement problems that would confront a study team performing a national cost-benefit analysis of vocational education and presented alternative strategies to overcome these measurement problems and to provide input into assessing the feasibility of conducting a national cost-benefit study. To meet these objectives,…

This book, consisting of 13 papers, deals with the theory, practice, and reactions to participatory research in the area of social research for development. Included in the volume are the following papers: "Breaking the Monopoly of Knowledge: Research Methods, Participation, and Development," by Budd Hall; "Creating Alternative…

Participatory research is an approach that calls for a democratic interaction between the researcher and those among whom the research is conducted. While this approach has been implemented with both individuals and groups in a wide variety of settings such as geographic communities, workplace situations, adult learning groups, community issue…