A deterministic approach to research in instructional science 1

A deterministic alternative to probabalistic theory and research is proposed and justified on both rational and empirical grounds. Direct tests of deterministic behavior theories are demanding but they are not only possible but are shown to be quite feasible. The main requisite is that of realizing suitable idealized test conditions. Some deterministic theories have been tested under idealized behavior conditions with a level of empirical support which goes far beyond what is normally found in behavioral research. Moreover, deterministic support in the laboratory is shown to necessarily imply probabalistic applicability in the real world—without field testing.     

Action learning in virtual higher education: applying leadership theory

This paper reports the historical foundation of Northeastern University’s course, LDR 6100: Developing Your Leadership Capability, a partial literature review of action learning (AL) and virtual action learning (VAL), a course methodology of LDR 6100 requiring students to apply leadership perspectives using VAL as instructed by the author, questionnaire and survey results of students who evaluated the effectiveness of their application of leadership theories using VAL and insights believed to have been gained by the author administering VAL. Findings indicate most students thought applying leadership perspectives using AL was better than considering leadership perspectives not using AL. In addition as implemented in LDR 6100, more students evaluated VAL positively than did those who assessed VAL negatively.