Here is a report of a systematic study based on interviews with 120 school principals that addresses questions about the utilization of knowledge from social research. It offers evidence that challenges allegations about the "awful reputation" of educational research and its supposed lack of impact.
The Untested Accusation:
嵯escribes the methods used in the investigation
感rovides reviews of related work with social research impact
嵯efines major terms
感rovides a conceptual model for thinking about the problem
感rovides both quantitative evidence and verbatim quotes from principals
嵩ompares research knowledge use among public, private, and independent schools in two national contexts: the United States and Australia
嵯iscusses various strategies that can be used to improve the impact of educational research
Findings from this study details:
廈ow principals are exposed to research knowledge and their attitudes concerning its use
愁he types of research knowledge with which principals are familiar
愛eports of research knowledge use in various schools
A summary of major findings and a discussion of conclusions and their implications are provided. This report concludes that educational research already has considerable impact and that school principals play active roles in converting that knowledge into innovative policies and practices.
For teachers, administrators, school board members, and others interested in educational and social research.
Bruce J. Biddle is a social psychologist and a professor emeritus at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. A former director of a research center, founding editor of a major journal, and frequent visitor to other campuses (particularly in Australia), his research and scholarship have centered on role theory, the role of the teacher, classroom interaction, youth decision making, the impact of research on social policy, the misuse of research knowledge by advocates, and youth poverty and its impact within education.
Larry J. Saha is a sociologist and a reader at the Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. A former departmental chair, former Dean of his College, current editor of a major journal, and frequent visitor to other campuses (particularly in the United States and Sweden), his research and scholarship have centered on the sociology of education, social change and development, rural and urban community life, attitudes and motivation, and collective behavior.
