This paper will offer a reflexive account of the research approaches used in linguistically and culturally diverse education contexts by an academic researcher from the hegemonic cultural mainstream. The discussion will cover some of the potential barriers to research with linguistically, ethnically and/or culturally diverse "others" and…

I argue in this article that recognizing the role of subjectivity and bringing in the researcher's positionality as a tool in the research process can not only enhance the ethical integrity of the research but also enhance both the research process and the analysis and interpretation of the data. Cultural studies theorists have long argued that…

This technical paper examines the issue of attrition bias in two cohorts of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY), based on an analysis using data from 1995 to 2002. Data up to 2002 provided eight years of information on members of the Y95 cohort and five years of information on members of the Y98 cohort. This study suggests that…

A paper by M. Hill et al., titled "Benefit-Cost Analysis of Supported Competitive Employment for Persons with Mental Retardation," is criticized due to logic concerns, certain omissions, and some imprecision. The study's conclusions are generally supported, but the certainty of taxpayers benefitting from the employment programs is…

Using data collected through telephone interviews with a national sample of adults, this study searched for evidence as to whether interviewers have stronger effects on the responses given to a wide range of questions by older people than on the responses of younger people. Responses to 30 items for which significant interviewer effects had…

Delineates sources of problematic methodology in research designed to relate measures of sex-role orientation to indices of psychological well-being. Procedures in sex-role research are examined in relation to orthogonal scales of sex-role orientation that provide independent measures of masculinity, femininity, and androgyny. Directions for…

Examines the construct and action validity of the use of simple checklists to assess the declarative knowledge component of adult's literacy by telephone. Finds significant relationships among knowledge when assessed either by listening (telephone) or by reading (mailed questionnaire) modality. Concludes that the telephone method may provide a…

Previous research linking life events and psychological well being may have been biased by traditional retrospective designs. To eliminate retrospective bias, a prospective design was used in which events were measured before the criterion had occurred. Subjects were 209 male and 159 female participants in the Augmented Baltimore Longitudinal…

Describes common methodological inadequacies in research on treatment of obesity and suggests alternatives. Importance of multiple measurement of outcome is emphasized. Merits of alternative single-subject and between-groups experimental designs are discussed. Reasons for conspicuous lack of long-term follow-ups are analyzed. Recommendations for…

In this response to critiques (Mudford, Hogg and Roberts 1997, 1999) of the use of behavior states in research involving individuals with mental retardation, it is argued that the work on behavioral state analysis by Robert D. Guess has contributed to the field at the practical, empirical, and theoretical levels. (Contains references.) (CR)

This introductory article discusses the benefits of participatory action research (PAR), including the empowerment of participants in research and the research process, the difficulties PAR presents, and summarizes following articles in a special series on the facets of PAR. (CR)

A study was conducted to clarify some of the ambiguous findings reported in the media dependency literature. Specifically, it sought to establish whether relationships between use of the media and surveillance gratifications obtained from that use were affected by an individual's medium of primary reliance or whether these relationships might be…

Examined male and female definitions of right and wrong in 15 boys, 15 girls, 15 men, and 15 women. Results demonstrated 3 different outcomes as result of varying the mode of investigating sex differences in appraising a moral dilemma. Concludes growth of moral judgment is elusive and can be pursued well only through a variety of research modes.…

This article discusses challenges in using participatory action research (PAR) in the evaluation of programs that provide services and supports to people with severe disabilities. Challenges include the need for modification of the model, time constraints, issues around power and position, and inclusion of individuals with severe disabilities.…

Four positions concerning foreign and second language learning ability in adults are summarized with attention to the "critical period" hypothesis. An argument is made for a shift from macro-correlational studies to controlled micro language learning research free of extralinguistic variables. (PMJ)