Defines validation as a process by which researchers evaluate the trustworthiness of a study through a tacit understanding of actual practices. Proposes an approach to validation based on the concept of exemplars--concrete models of research practice. Uses three studies of narrative--life history, oral narrative, and narrative strategy--as…

Reports findings of a nationwide survey of public relations professionals to investigate the full extent of recent public relations research activities. Finds a growing recognition that research is an integral part of public relations planning, program development, and evaluation process. Reveals that most public relations research is currently…

A sample of 144 college students responded to content- and application-based questions derived from popular newspaper and magazine articles on contemporary health topics. Overall rate of reader misunderstanding was nearly 40 percent, with a uniform error rate for each of 16 articles, leading to a conclusion that consumer misunderstanding of…

Research serves several purposes in institutional renewal. Good research ideas can clarify questions, force issues, rationalize debate, vitalize the change process, and justify new departures. Successful tactics for change require clear definition of research activities and campuswide support. (Author/MSE)

A historical and conceptual review of the origins of divisions that have arisen in the field of educational research highlights both methodological and substantive issues that have resulted from significant growth in social science research. A unity of educational research is emerging to guide more productive future research efforts. (CB)

Presents some of the conventional arguments against computer assisted instruction (CAI) in language education and explores humanistic concerns raised in the works of Marshall McLuhan. It is concluded that CAI is introduced into the instructional process before proper research has demonstrated that this method of teaching is not harmful for…

The role of the hippocampus in memory function is discussed. Work with rats, monkeys, and humans largely agrees concerning its function and structure. The hippocampus is essential for a type of memory designated "declarative," the ability to remember that a visual object was presented in a particular context. (SLD)

Discussion with an African-American mental health group in Britain demonstrate the politics involved in the relationship between knowledge and power. Transformative research is seen as part of the politics of postmodernism--the shift from Eurocentrism and the influence of research on political agendas and the balance of power. (SK)

Synthesizes major findings of writing research into 10 basic principles: grammar, correctness, feedback, positive reinforcement, formative evaluation, quality of learning, specific devices, sharing, student interest, and reading. Applies the principles to business communication classes. (RS)

Over its 12-year history, an arthritis patient education program evolved from a basis not grounded in theory to one tightly linked to it. As cycles of research, intervention, and evaluation produced new results, the self-management program was revised and improved. (SK)

A collaboration between a university faculty member and an adult basic education teacher successfully implemented an instructional strategy in the classroom by means of three factors: commitment, continuous interaction, and a collegial relationship. (SK)

Questionnaires returned by 92 of 127 British teacher-researchers and interviews with 12 revealed the following: (1) sharing of findings was hindered by the individualistic culture of teaching; (2) teacher-researchers preferred working within the system to effect change; and (3) the values and processes of teacher research can create a more…

This essay on EC 606 264, which found that more intense early intervention programs for children with disabilities were not more effective, comments on the "political incorrectness" of the results, the possibility for misinterpretation of the results, and the need to reexamine beliefs about what contributes to effective intervention programs. (JDD)

Factors that have slowed progress in middle grades reform include (1) emphasizing school-level, structural changes, such as merging curricular areas and instructional assignments, which do little to change the experience of students; and (2) basing reform more on rhetoric than research. Reviews the articles in this special issue, which seeks to…

Staff development is crucial in educational reform. The Readings in Educational Research (RER) project emerged out of a need for teacher-researcher communication, providing packets of original research reports in areas of interest to teachers. Teacher study groups using RER indicated they found RER a very positive experience. (SM)