- Email: [email protected]
Monograph and paper notices
66
in education, while demonstrating the fundamental skills educators need to become consumers of measurement and evaluation in their professional lives.
MONOGRAPH AND PAPER NOTICES
Buker, Eloise. Politics Through a Looking-Glass. Greenwood Press, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, CT06881 (1987; 264 pp.; $37.95). Politics Through a Looking-Glass is an exploration of the connection between storytelling and politics. Buker examines how stories-both imaginative narratives and historical narratives-offer new ways of understanding social and political life. Basing her analysis on extensive field studies she conducted in two very different political cuJtures-a rural working-class community in Hawaii and a suburban uppermiddle-class community in Ohio-Buker begins by developing a model for interpreting narratives that builds upon structural analysis and philosophical hermeneutics. She then applies her model to the interpretation of narratives from political leaders in the two different communities, arguing that stories are windows through which we gain insight into a community's experiences, values, struggles, and conflicts. Buker's examination develops from the literature about the connection between language and politics. She argues that storytelling and politics share an even more intimate relationship, because it is through stories that citizens share ideas about public life. Their stories constitute models of how society works, what roles society offers, how conflicts arise, and how they are resolved. This method of story interpretation, furthermore, makes storytelling available to a range of citizens for shaping political life. . Brubaker, Ellie. Working with the Elderly. Sage Publications, Inc., 21I I W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320 (1987; 216 pp.; $25.00 cloth; $12.95 paper). How can we provide better human services to older clients? This volume utilizes a social systems perspective to analyze the values, purposes, knowledge, and tasks essential to meeting this challenge. Brubaker reviews specific issues and problems of the elderly, and focuses on the
67
knowledge and skills required to deal with those issues and problems in each stage of the service delivery process.
Gale, Anthony (Ed.). The Polygraph Test. Sage Publications, Inc., 2111 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320 (1988; 256 pp. [tent.]; $35.00). Use of the polygraph lie detection test by governmental agencies and private businesses is increasing, although both the users and the participants of the test question its validity; reliability, and indeed, its fallibility. The contributors describe the test, analyze its accuracy, question its use, and consider its role in investigation and interrogation. Subsequent chapters explore whether truth, honesty (and even emotion) can be measured, how to defeat the polygraph test, and finally, the legal issues involved in lie detection.
Glassman, Ronald M., Swatos, William H., Jr., and Rosen, Paul L. Bureaucracy Against Democracy and Socialism. Greenwood Press, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, CT06881 (1987; 231 pp.; $39.95). This collection of essays represents a sociopolitical analysis of public and private bureaucracy, emphasizing its dangerous ramifications for democracy and individualism. The contributors analyze a variety of bureaucratic systems, providing a combination of theory, case studies, and proposed solutions to enable the reader to confront the problems of bureaucracy. The essays arc organized into three sections. Introductory essays analyze the bureaucratic vision of Max Weber, establishing Weber as antibureaucratic, though he respected the contribution to human existence made by rationality. The problems that confront modern political, economic, and social organizations are defined through a comparison of Weberian analysis to that of Marx and Marxists. The second group of essays focuses on concrete examples of bureaucratic hegemony in the modern world-with special attention to the welfare state, the health care industry, and law enforcement agencies under democratic and socialist rule. The final group of essays offers some proposed solutions to the growing problem of bureaucratic authoritarianism, suggesting that the greatest hope for achievement lies in strengthening the democratic tradition. Emphasis is on programs and principles directed to the maintenance of democracy and freedom within the limits and conditions of modernity.
68
Greenblat, Cathy Stein. Designing Games and Simulations. Sage Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 5084, Newbury Park, CA 91359 (1987; 160 pp.; $29.95 cloth). A systematic, illustrated guide for both novice and experienced readers who wish to design games and simulations for use in teaching, training, policymaking, and research. Greenblat covers both the intellectual challenge of model development and the how-to basics that help you translate your model into a game format. She covers such practical steps as setting up objectives; making decisions about representation; constructing, field testing, and modifying the game/simulation, and preparing it for use by others.
Hand, D. J. and Everitt, B. S. (Eds.). The Statistical Consultant in Action. Cambridge University Press, 32 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022(1987; 200 pp .; $34.50 cloth) . This book explores the human side of statistical consulting, and illustrates the complex problems and opportunities that can arise for the modern consultant. Statistical consultancy problems and solutions in a wide range of areas, including science, medicine, industry, marketing, and finance, are explored by 12 contributors. Heller, Frank, Drenth, Pieter, Koopman, Paul, and Rus, Veljko. Decisions in Organizations: A Three-County Comparative Study. Sage Publications, Inc., 2111 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320 (1988; 256 pp.; $39.95 cloth). Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the authors provide an original assessment of operational, tactical, and strategic decisions. They present a new theoretical model of the complexities of organizational events, the main ingredients of power, and the role and limitations of participative decision making .
Jones, Byrd L and Maloy, Robert W. Partnerships for Improving Schools. Greenwood Press, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881 (1988; 192 pp.; sss.o», In this volume Jones and Maloy present a framework for viewing, understanding, and participating in school improvement partnerships. Based on their 15 years of experiences with various collaborative
69
projects, the authors demonstrate ways to sustain agreements over time through mutually beneficial activities between teachers and members of outside organizations. Interactive partnerships generate formal and informal learning for participants that lead to evolving understandings about personal behaviors and organizational climates, and then new purposes yield strategies and structures for educational reform. First, the authors introduce a variety of school improvement programs that have overcome the mindless routines and bureaucratic dilemmas characteristic of the culture of schools. Tapping the potential of partnerships requires insights into the constructed realities of members and a willingness to reconstruct problem definitions. To date, most collaborative endeavors with teachers have emphasized one-way exchanges of people or resources that presume school deficiencies, thereby inhibiting dialogue and growth. The authors elaborate three conceptsmultiple realities, ill-structured problems, and reflexive thinking-to illuminate typical patterns and stages of developing partnerships. Second, the authors present numerous, detailed case studies of partnerships between schools and parent! community groups, businesses, human service agencies, and universities. Cross-case analyses illustrate how personal experiences with different settings have empowered teachers to explore curricular and organizational innovations. These discussions illustrate issues inherent in guiding cooperation and coping with conflict that follow from mutual interests and competing purposes of schools and their partners.
Kruger. Richard A. Focus Groups. Sage Publications, Inc., 2111 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320 (1988; 200 pp. [tent.]; $28.00 cloth; $12.95 paper). Focus groups are an inexpensive, efficient way of gathering information for applied social researchers. Drawing from market research, sociology, and psychology, this volume demonstrates the practicality of focus group interviewing for assessing needs, planning programs, evaluation, and decision making. This work first highlights differences between focus groups and other seemingly similar methodological procedures. It then gives practical step-by-step advice for conducting a focus group, emphasizing the importance of advance planning, finding the right group of participants, honing one's skills as a moderator, and asking the right questions.
70
Mcl.aughlin, Milbrey Wallen and Pfeifer, R. Scott. Teacher Evaluation. Teachers College Press, 1234Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 (1988; 192 pp.; $25.95 cloth; $13.95 paper). Focusing on the experiences of four school districts that are addressing typical obstacles to initiating significant evaluation efforts, McLaughlin and Pfeifer identify the organizational prerequisites and strategies that enable schools to begin and carry out meaningful teacher evaluation programs. Their study lays the groundwork for creating a culture of evalu ation in schools that supports a strong staff development component. In addition to a critical examination of evaluation procedures and processes, along with the triggering events that give rise to the need for these, they provide a chapter on reflective practice that emphasizes both the "reflective teacher" as well as the "reflective organization."
M urnane, Richard J. and Raizen, Senta A. Improving Indicators of the Quality of Science and Mathematics Education in Grades K-12. National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418 (1987; 212 pp.; $17.50 paper) . The Committee on Indicators of Precollege Science and Mathematics Education was charged with describing an adequate monitoring system for tracking the progress of mathematics and science education, particularly the effects of ongoing efforts to improve students'scientific knowledge and mathematics competency. This monograph is a presentation of an improved series of indicators to assess student learning, curriculum quality, teaching effectiveness, student behavior, and financial and leadership support for mathematics and science education. Of special interest is a critical review of current testing methods and their use in probing higher-order skills and evaluating educational quality.
Resnick, Lauren B. Education and Learning to Think. National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418 (1988; 72 pp.; $6.50 paper). Historically, higher order thinking skills were stressed for only a small proportion of students. But the economic and social challenges confronting the nation today demand that all citizens acquire and learn to use complex reasoning and thinking skills. Education and Learning to Think confronts the issues facing our schools as they take on this mission. This volume reviews previous research, highlights successful learning strategies, and makes specific recommendations about prob-
71
lems and directions requiring further study. Among the topics covered are the nature of thinking and learning, the possibilities of teaching general reasoning, the attempts to improve intelligence, thinking skills in academic disciplines, methods of cultivating the disposition toward higher order thinking and learning, and the integral role motivation plays in these activities.
Sirontnik, Kenneth A. and Good/ad, John I. (Eds.). School-University Partnerships in Action. Teachers College Press, 1234 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 (1988; 256 pp.; $28.95 cloth; $16.95 paper). This book comes in response to the recent surge of school-university collaborative efforts that has followed on the heels of major educational reform reports. Based on their own involvement in a number of promising partnership efforts, the editors and contributors to this volume have proposed a general paradigm for ideal collaboration between schools and universities: a mutually collaborative arrangement between equal partners working together to meet self-interests while solving common problems. In support of the general paradigm, individual chapters address various aspects of school-university partnerships, with the following goals in mind: clarifying terminology, past and present, and reviewing the literature on linking schools and universities; analyzing a set of case histories of school-university partnerships that have most closely resembled the kind of partnership proposed, highlighting the problems, pitfalls, and possibilities that emerge in these real-life arrangements; proposing a research and evaluation perspective compatible with the tenets of the general model; and guiding future partnership endeavors with the lessons learned thus far.
Sternberg, Robert J. The Psychologist's Companion. Cambridge University Press, 32 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022 (1988; 235 pp.; $29.95 cloth; $9.95 paper). Sternberg's book will serve as a companion for any psychologist or aspiring psychologist, from the beginning undergraduate level on up, who is required to produce reports, articles, chapters, or books. It is meant to be read cover to cover, rather than as an occasional reference. I'opics reviewed include common misconceptions, steps in writing .ibra ry research papers, steps in writing experimental research papers, rules for effective prose, frequently used words, American Psychological
72
Association and British Psychological Society journal publication guidelines, the preparation of tables and figures, the preparation of references, standards for evaluating papers, and decisions to be made when submitting papers to journals. It includes an annotated list of major American and British journals that publish articles by psychologists . The following publications are available from Sage Publications, Inc., 2111 West Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320.
Applied Social Research Methods series. Series editor: Leonard Bickman, Vanderbilt University: associate editor: Deborah Rog, NIMY.
Schwandt, Thomas A. and Halpern, Edward S. Linking Auditing and Metaevaluation: Enhancing Quality in Applied Research. (Volume II, 1988; 160 pp.; $17.95 cloth; $8.95 paper). Metaevaluation, the evaluation of evaluation, is an auditing activity that attests to the trustworthiness and integrity of a particular evaluation's procedures and outcomes. Schwandt and Halpern introduce readers to a strategy and a set of techniques by which the quality of inquiry procedures and products can be assured and retrospectively assessed. It is specifically concerned with improving the quality of naturalistic-qualitative inquiries. However, the approach to quality described here is applicable to a variety of social scientific investigations.
Kimmel, Allan J. Ethics and Values in Applied Social Research. (Volume 12, 1988; 160 pp.; $17.95 cloth; $8.95 paper). Kimmel provides a detailed overview of the ethical dilemmas faced by those engaged in applied social research. He discusses many important issues from the perspective of the applied researcher, including such topics as informed consent, privacy rights, the role of values, and government and professional standards. The text suggests ways to resolve ethical confl .cts and develop research alternatives, and presents case studies and discussion questions.
Kelly, Janice R. and Mctirath, Joseph E. On Time and Method. (Volume 13, 1988; 152 pp.; $17.95 cloth; $8.95 paper).
73
Oil Time and Method provides a detailed examination of the impact of time on research methods. This volume analyzes ways that temporal factors can affect research results and interpretations, and explains how research can be strengthened by paying attention to such factors. Qualitative Research Methods. Series editor: John Van Maanen; Associate editors: Peter K. Manning and Mark L. Miller. (Volume 8, 1988; 80 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper). Gubrium, Jaber F. Analyzing Field Reality. Individual behavior is not established in a vacuum, although most qualitative research is based upon just that remise. An exception to this practice is found in Gubrium's approach to the question, How does one pin down meaning both for the participants and the researcher to a context and locate it within structures? Drawing on examples from family research and organizational research in human service agencies, Analyzing Field Reality demonstrates how to uncover the "organizational embeddedness" of human action. Warren, Carol A.B. Gender Issues in Field Research. (Volume 9,1988; 96 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper). Are there differences in the levels of access given to male and female researchers in the field setting? Does gender influence, or limit, researchers in the types of questions that they are allowed to investigate? Warren addresses these issues using examples from anthropological, sociological, and organizational research.
Weller, Susan and Romney, A. Kimball. Systematic Data Collection. (Volume 10, 1988;96 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper). Data collection in field settings can be done in a structured, systematic, and scientific way. The authors focus first on the importance of finding out the best questions to ask in order to elicit accurate responses. Then, by providing a variety of formats such as triadic methods and stressing cultural relativity, Weller and Romney suggest methods to improve not only the data collected, but also the interpretation and analysis of such data.
Noblit, George w:. and Hare, R. Dwight. Metaethnography. (Volume II, 1988; 96 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper).
74
Noblit and Hare propose a new method for synthesizing from qualitative studies: metaethnography. After citing the criteria to be used in comparing qualitative research projects, the authors define the ways these can be aggregated to create more cogent syntheses of research.
Robert P. Gephart. Ethnostatistics. (Volume 12, 1988; 96 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper). Ethnostatistics refers to the study of the social production and use of statistics. The author suggests that statistics can be used to produce more effective and reflexive social research. After examining the domain, examples, and levels of ethnostatistics, the author outlines a 3-1evel approach for producing, testing, and examining statistics. McKeown, Bruce and Thomas, Dan. Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences. Q Methodology. (Volume 66, 1988; 96 pp.; $6.00 paper). Q methodology combines a distinctive set of psychometric and operational principles with specialized statistical applications of correlational and factor-analytical techniques. This process provides researchers with a systematic means for examining human subjectivity. Based on the premise that subjectivity is communicable and advanced from selfreference, the central concern of Q Methodology is to ensure that self-reference is preserved and not compromised by, or confused with, the external frame of reference brought in by the investigator.
Louviere, Jordan J. Analyzing Decision Making. (Volume 67,1988; 96 pp.; $6.00 paper). Analyzing Decision Making addresses the task of ascertaining the preference of consumers for existing and new products. Louviere presents new survey instruments that can be used to elicit information from respondents about preferences. He also chooses samples, collects data, and analyzes it to construct something akin to demand equations. Andrich, David. Rasch Models for Measurement. (Volume 68, 1988;96 pp.; $6.00 paper). An introduction to Rasch measurement models focusing on general principles, so the applications and algebra of the model can be
75
understood. Rasch models are connected to common procedures for social science measurement, allowing comparisons with better known measurement approaches. This introduction uses one example throughout to provide continuity as the procedures and statistical arguments are explained.
BIBLIOGRAPHY NOTICES The following bibliographies are available from Greenwood Press, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881. Comparative Reading: An International Bibliography, compiled by John Hladczuk and William Eller. (December 1987; 192 pp.; $35.00). As efforts to promote literacy accelerate in all parts of the world, research on reading has moved in innovative directions and taken on an increasingly international dimension. Reflecting these developments, this new bibliography expands current notions of what comparative reading is, or ought to be. It lists and categorizes research efforts made throughout the world, giving special emphasis to the tendency to conceive of the reading process in interdisciplinary terms. Thus entries relating to the psychological, political, historical, and economic ramifications of literacy and reading are included. The first segment of the bibliography deals with cross-cultural, world-regional, and national research . The second is devoted to correlations in various subject areas, such as learning to read; the organization of reading instruction; evaluation and research ; and the role of language, culture, and psychology. Listings arc organized into subcategories, and publication data are supplied for each item. Educational Journals and Serials, compiled by Mary Ellen Collins. (March 1988; 384 pp.; $49.95). Many new journals have emerged in education and its subdisciplines in recent years, keeping pace with a rapidly growing body of scholarship. This annotated bibliography is the first volume devoted to the national and international scholarly journals that form a basic scholarly resource for the field. More than 800 publications are considered. Types of sources include association publications, major journals that publish original research
in education, while demonstrating the fundamental skills educators need to become consumers of measurement and evaluation in their professional lives.
MONOGRAPH AND PAPER NOTICES
Buker, Eloise. Politics Through a Looking-Glass. Greenwood Press, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, CT06881 (1987; 264 pp.; $37.95). Politics Through a Looking-Glass is an exploration of the connection between storytelling and politics. Buker examines how stories-both imaginative narratives and historical narratives-offer new ways of understanding social and political life. Basing her analysis on extensive field studies she conducted in two very different political cuJtures-a rural working-class community in Hawaii and a suburban uppermiddle-class community in Ohio-Buker begins by developing a model for interpreting narratives that builds upon structural analysis and philosophical hermeneutics. She then applies her model to the interpretation of narratives from political leaders in the two different communities, arguing that stories are windows through which we gain insight into a community's experiences, values, struggles, and conflicts. Buker's examination develops from the literature about the connection between language and politics. She argues that storytelling and politics share an even more intimate relationship, because it is through stories that citizens share ideas about public life. Their stories constitute models of how society works, what roles society offers, how conflicts arise, and how they are resolved. This method of story interpretation, furthermore, makes storytelling available to a range of citizens for shaping political life. . Brubaker, Ellie. Working with the Elderly. Sage Publications, Inc., 21I I W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320 (1987; 216 pp.; $25.00 cloth; $12.95 paper). How can we provide better human services to older clients? This volume utilizes a social systems perspective to analyze the values, purposes, knowledge, and tasks essential to meeting this challenge. Brubaker reviews specific issues and problems of the elderly, and focuses on the
67
knowledge and skills required to deal with those issues and problems in each stage of the service delivery process.
Gale, Anthony (Ed.). The Polygraph Test. Sage Publications, Inc., 2111 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320 (1988; 256 pp. [tent.]; $35.00). Use of the polygraph lie detection test by governmental agencies and private businesses is increasing, although both the users and the participants of the test question its validity; reliability, and indeed, its fallibility. The contributors describe the test, analyze its accuracy, question its use, and consider its role in investigation and interrogation. Subsequent chapters explore whether truth, honesty (and even emotion) can be measured, how to defeat the polygraph test, and finally, the legal issues involved in lie detection.
Glassman, Ronald M., Swatos, William H., Jr., and Rosen, Paul L. Bureaucracy Against Democracy and Socialism. Greenwood Press, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, CT06881 (1987; 231 pp.; $39.95). This collection of essays represents a sociopolitical analysis of public and private bureaucracy, emphasizing its dangerous ramifications for democracy and individualism. The contributors analyze a variety of bureaucratic systems, providing a combination of theory, case studies, and proposed solutions to enable the reader to confront the problems of bureaucracy. The essays arc organized into three sections. Introductory essays analyze the bureaucratic vision of Max Weber, establishing Weber as antibureaucratic, though he respected the contribution to human existence made by rationality. The problems that confront modern political, economic, and social organizations are defined through a comparison of Weberian analysis to that of Marx and Marxists. The second group of essays focuses on concrete examples of bureaucratic hegemony in the modern world-with special attention to the welfare state, the health care industry, and law enforcement agencies under democratic and socialist rule. The final group of essays offers some proposed solutions to the growing problem of bureaucratic authoritarianism, suggesting that the greatest hope for achievement lies in strengthening the democratic tradition. Emphasis is on programs and principles directed to the maintenance of democracy and freedom within the limits and conditions of modernity.
68
Greenblat, Cathy Stein. Designing Games and Simulations. Sage Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 5084, Newbury Park, CA 91359 (1987; 160 pp.; $29.95 cloth). A systematic, illustrated guide for both novice and experienced readers who wish to design games and simulations for use in teaching, training, policymaking, and research. Greenblat covers both the intellectual challenge of model development and the how-to basics that help you translate your model into a game format. She covers such practical steps as setting up objectives; making decisions about representation; constructing, field testing, and modifying the game/simulation, and preparing it for use by others.
Hand, D. J. and Everitt, B. S. (Eds.). The Statistical Consultant in Action. Cambridge University Press, 32 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022(1987; 200 pp .; $34.50 cloth) . This book explores the human side of statistical consulting, and illustrates the complex problems and opportunities that can arise for the modern consultant. Statistical consultancy problems and solutions in a wide range of areas, including science, medicine, industry, marketing, and finance, are explored by 12 contributors. Heller, Frank, Drenth, Pieter, Koopman, Paul, and Rus, Veljko. Decisions in Organizations: A Three-County Comparative Study. Sage Publications, Inc., 2111 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320 (1988; 256 pp.; $39.95 cloth). Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the authors provide an original assessment of operational, tactical, and strategic decisions. They present a new theoretical model of the complexities of organizational events, the main ingredients of power, and the role and limitations of participative decision making .
Jones, Byrd L and Maloy, Robert W. Partnerships for Improving Schools. Greenwood Press, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881 (1988; 192 pp.; sss.o», In this volume Jones and Maloy present a framework for viewing, understanding, and participating in school improvement partnerships. Based on their 15 years of experiences with various collaborative
69
projects, the authors demonstrate ways to sustain agreements over time through mutually beneficial activities between teachers and members of outside organizations. Interactive partnerships generate formal and informal learning for participants that lead to evolving understandings about personal behaviors and organizational climates, and then new purposes yield strategies and structures for educational reform. First, the authors introduce a variety of school improvement programs that have overcome the mindless routines and bureaucratic dilemmas characteristic of the culture of schools. Tapping the potential of partnerships requires insights into the constructed realities of members and a willingness to reconstruct problem definitions. To date, most collaborative endeavors with teachers have emphasized one-way exchanges of people or resources that presume school deficiencies, thereby inhibiting dialogue and growth. The authors elaborate three conceptsmultiple realities, ill-structured problems, and reflexive thinking-to illuminate typical patterns and stages of developing partnerships. Second, the authors present numerous, detailed case studies of partnerships between schools and parent! community groups, businesses, human service agencies, and universities. Cross-case analyses illustrate how personal experiences with different settings have empowered teachers to explore curricular and organizational innovations. These discussions illustrate issues inherent in guiding cooperation and coping with conflict that follow from mutual interests and competing purposes of schools and their partners.
Kruger. Richard A. Focus Groups. Sage Publications, Inc., 2111 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320 (1988; 200 pp. [tent.]; $28.00 cloth; $12.95 paper). Focus groups are an inexpensive, efficient way of gathering information for applied social researchers. Drawing from market research, sociology, and psychology, this volume demonstrates the practicality of focus group interviewing for assessing needs, planning programs, evaluation, and decision making. This work first highlights differences between focus groups and other seemingly similar methodological procedures. It then gives practical step-by-step advice for conducting a focus group, emphasizing the importance of advance planning, finding the right group of participants, honing one's skills as a moderator, and asking the right questions.
70
Mcl.aughlin, Milbrey Wallen and Pfeifer, R. Scott. Teacher Evaluation. Teachers College Press, 1234Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 (1988; 192 pp.; $25.95 cloth; $13.95 paper). Focusing on the experiences of four school districts that are addressing typical obstacles to initiating significant evaluation efforts, McLaughlin and Pfeifer identify the organizational prerequisites and strategies that enable schools to begin and carry out meaningful teacher evaluation programs. Their study lays the groundwork for creating a culture of evalu ation in schools that supports a strong staff development component. In addition to a critical examination of evaluation procedures and processes, along with the triggering events that give rise to the need for these, they provide a chapter on reflective practice that emphasizes both the "reflective teacher" as well as the "reflective organization."
M urnane, Richard J. and Raizen, Senta A. Improving Indicators of the Quality of Science and Mathematics Education in Grades K-12. National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418 (1987; 212 pp.; $17.50 paper) . The Committee on Indicators of Precollege Science and Mathematics Education was charged with describing an adequate monitoring system for tracking the progress of mathematics and science education, particularly the effects of ongoing efforts to improve students'scientific knowledge and mathematics competency. This monograph is a presentation of an improved series of indicators to assess student learning, curriculum quality, teaching effectiveness, student behavior, and financial and leadership support for mathematics and science education. Of special interest is a critical review of current testing methods and their use in probing higher-order skills and evaluating educational quality.
Resnick, Lauren B. Education and Learning to Think. National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418 (1988; 72 pp.; $6.50 paper). Historically, higher order thinking skills were stressed for only a small proportion of students. But the economic and social challenges confronting the nation today demand that all citizens acquire and learn to use complex reasoning and thinking skills. Education and Learning to Think confronts the issues facing our schools as they take on this mission. This volume reviews previous research, highlights successful learning strategies, and makes specific recommendations about prob-
71
lems and directions requiring further study. Among the topics covered are the nature of thinking and learning, the possibilities of teaching general reasoning, the attempts to improve intelligence, thinking skills in academic disciplines, methods of cultivating the disposition toward higher order thinking and learning, and the integral role motivation plays in these activities.
Sirontnik, Kenneth A. and Good/ad, John I. (Eds.). School-University Partnerships in Action. Teachers College Press, 1234 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 (1988; 256 pp.; $28.95 cloth; $16.95 paper). This book comes in response to the recent surge of school-university collaborative efforts that has followed on the heels of major educational reform reports. Based on their own involvement in a number of promising partnership efforts, the editors and contributors to this volume have proposed a general paradigm for ideal collaboration between schools and universities: a mutually collaborative arrangement between equal partners working together to meet self-interests while solving common problems. In support of the general paradigm, individual chapters address various aspects of school-university partnerships, with the following goals in mind: clarifying terminology, past and present, and reviewing the literature on linking schools and universities; analyzing a set of case histories of school-university partnerships that have most closely resembled the kind of partnership proposed, highlighting the problems, pitfalls, and possibilities that emerge in these real-life arrangements; proposing a research and evaluation perspective compatible with the tenets of the general model; and guiding future partnership endeavors with the lessons learned thus far.
Sternberg, Robert J. The Psychologist's Companion. Cambridge University Press, 32 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022 (1988; 235 pp.; $29.95 cloth; $9.95 paper). Sternberg's book will serve as a companion for any psychologist or aspiring psychologist, from the beginning undergraduate level on up, who is required to produce reports, articles, chapters, or books. It is meant to be read cover to cover, rather than as an occasional reference. I'opics reviewed include common misconceptions, steps in writing .ibra ry research papers, steps in writing experimental research papers, rules for effective prose, frequently used words, American Psychological
72
Association and British Psychological Society journal publication guidelines, the preparation of tables and figures, the preparation of references, standards for evaluating papers, and decisions to be made when submitting papers to journals. It includes an annotated list of major American and British journals that publish articles by psychologists . The following publications are available from Sage Publications, Inc., 2111 West Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320.
Applied Social Research Methods series. Series editor: Leonard Bickman, Vanderbilt University: associate editor: Deborah Rog, NIMY.
Schwandt, Thomas A. and Halpern, Edward S. Linking Auditing and Metaevaluation: Enhancing Quality in Applied Research. (Volume II, 1988; 160 pp.; $17.95 cloth; $8.95 paper). Metaevaluation, the evaluation of evaluation, is an auditing activity that attests to the trustworthiness and integrity of a particular evaluation's procedures and outcomes. Schwandt and Halpern introduce readers to a strategy and a set of techniques by which the quality of inquiry procedures and products can be assured and retrospectively assessed. It is specifically concerned with improving the quality of naturalistic-qualitative inquiries. However, the approach to quality described here is applicable to a variety of social scientific investigations.
Kimmel, Allan J. Ethics and Values in Applied Social Research. (Volume 12, 1988; 160 pp.; $17.95 cloth; $8.95 paper). Kimmel provides a detailed overview of the ethical dilemmas faced by those engaged in applied social research. He discusses many important issues from the perspective of the applied researcher, including such topics as informed consent, privacy rights, the role of values, and government and professional standards. The text suggests ways to resolve ethical confl .cts and develop research alternatives, and presents case studies and discussion questions.
Kelly, Janice R. and Mctirath, Joseph E. On Time and Method. (Volume 13, 1988; 152 pp.; $17.95 cloth; $8.95 paper).
73
Oil Time and Method provides a detailed examination of the impact of time on research methods. This volume analyzes ways that temporal factors can affect research results and interpretations, and explains how research can be strengthened by paying attention to such factors. Qualitative Research Methods. Series editor: John Van Maanen; Associate editors: Peter K. Manning and Mark L. Miller. (Volume 8, 1988; 80 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper). Gubrium, Jaber F. Analyzing Field Reality. Individual behavior is not established in a vacuum, although most qualitative research is based upon just that remise. An exception to this practice is found in Gubrium's approach to the question, How does one pin down meaning both for the participants and the researcher to a context and locate it within structures? Drawing on examples from family research and organizational research in human service agencies, Analyzing Field Reality demonstrates how to uncover the "organizational embeddedness" of human action. Warren, Carol A.B. Gender Issues in Field Research. (Volume 9,1988; 96 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper). Are there differences in the levels of access given to male and female researchers in the field setting? Does gender influence, or limit, researchers in the types of questions that they are allowed to investigate? Warren addresses these issues using examples from anthropological, sociological, and organizational research.
Weller, Susan and Romney, A. Kimball. Systematic Data Collection. (Volume 10, 1988;96 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper). Data collection in field settings can be done in a structured, systematic, and scientific way. The authors focus first on the importance of finding out the best questions to ask in order to elicit accurate responses. Then, by providing a variety of formats such as triadic methods and stressing cultural relativity, Weller and Romney suggest methods to improve not only the data collected, but also the interpretation and analysis of such data.
Noblit, George w:. and Hare, R. Dwight. Metaethnography. (Volume II, 1988; 96 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper).
74
Noblit and Hare propose a new method for synthesizing from qualitative studies: metaethnography. After citing the criteria to be used in comparing qualitative research projects, the authors define the ways these can be aggregated to create more cogent syntheses of research.
Robert P. Gephart. Ethnostatistics. (Volume 12, 1988; 96 pp.; $12.50 cloth; $6.00 paper). Ethnostatistics refers to the study of the social production and use of statistics. The author suggests that statistics can be used to produce more effective and reflexive social research. After examining the domain, examples, and levels of ethnostatistics, the author outlines a 3-1evel approach for producing, testing, and examining statistics. McKeown, Bruce and Thomas, Dan. Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences. Q Methodology. (Volume 66, 1988; 96 pp.; $6.00 paper). Q methodology combines a distinctive set of psychometric and operational principles with specialized statistical applications of correlational and factor-analytical techniques. This process provides researchers with a systematic means for examining human subjectivity. Based on the premise that subjectivity is communicable and advanced from selfreference, the central concern of Q Methodology is to ensure that self-reference is preserved and not compromised by, or confused with, the external frame of reference brought in by the investigator.
Louviere, Jordan J. Analyzing Decision Making. (Volume 67,1988; 96 pp.; $6.00 paper). Analyzing Decision Making addresses the task of ascertaining the preference of consumers for existing and new products. Louviere presents new survey instruments that can be used to elicit information from respondents about preferences. He also chooses samples, collects data, and analyzes it to construct something akin to demand equations. Andrich, David. Rasch Models for Measurement. (Volume 68, 1988;96 pp.; $6.00 paper). An introduction to Rasch measurement models focusing on general principles, so the applications and algebra of the model can be
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understood. Rasch models are connected to common procedures for social science measurement, allowing comparisons with better known measurement approaches. This introduction uses one example throughout to provide continuity as the procedures and statistical arguments are explained.
BIBLIOGRAPHY NOTICES The following bibliographies are available from Greenwood Press, Inc., 88 Post Road West, Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881. Comparative Reading: An International Bibliography, compiled by John Hladczuk and William Eller. (December 1987; 192 pp.; $35.00). As efforts to promote literacy accelerate in all parts of the world, research on reading has moved in innovative directions and taken on an increasingly international dimension. Reflecting these developments, this new bibliography expands current notions of what comparative reading is, or ought to be. It lists and categorizes research efforts made throughout the world, giving special emphasis to the tendency to conceive of the reading process in interdisciplinary terms. Thus entries relating to the psychological, political, historical, and economic ramifications of literacy and reading are included. The first segment of the bibliography deals with cross-cultural, world-regional, and national research . The second is devoted to correlations in various subject areas, such as learning to read; the organization of reading instruction; evaluation and research ; and the role of language, culture, and psychology. Listings arc organized into subcategories, and publication data are supplied for each item. Educational Journals and Serials, compiled by Mary Ellen Collins. (March 1988; 384 pp.; $49.95). Many new journals have emerged in education and its subdisciplines in recent years, keeping pace with a rapidly growing body of scholarship. This annotated bibliography is the first volume devoted to the national and international scholarly journals that form a basic scholarly resource for the field. More than 800 publications are considered. Types of sources include association publications, major journals that publish original research