DT>Just a thought.....might be of some fun to discuss the reliability 
DT>of research.
As someone who is science-trained, I dispair of "research"
regarding socialogical issues such as education... It is
EXCEEDINGLY difficult to isolate single factors, and we are
instead forced to deal with statistical inferences... As you
must be aware, those inferences are often colored by the
observers' point of view, background, and whatever ax they
happen to be grinding at any given time... It isn't the
same as observing chimps in a cage!     ;-)
DT>There exists an acceptable body of research that helps drive 
DT>our educational direction.
As a confirmed cynic, I would argue that rather than being
driven by an "acceptable body of research", we are instead
driven by special interests, monetary constraints, public
opinion, personal opinions, fads, and smoke and mirrors, to
name just a few!
DT>Further thoughts?
There you go!      ;-)
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