Understanding researchers: findings from a focus group

In November 2006, a focus group of researchers was assembled at a conference hosted by the Society of Scholarly Publishers in Washington, DC. The panel addressed a series of prepared questions regarding current research practices, perceptions, and preferences, particularly as they applied to scientific and medical publications, in corporate, academic, and medical environments. This article highlights issues and views the panel discussed, with the aim of narrowing the gap of understanding between researchers and publishers. This information will help publishers to develop content and delivery methods that are closely aligned with the needs of researchers.     

Editor's Introduction

In the clamor surrounding the "return to class and make revolution" movement that has begun in Peking universities and in primary middle schools, the revolutionary students and teachers of Stone-view Mountain Middle School have, with the aid and support of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Military Advisory Group, raised high the great red flag of the thought of Mao Tse-tung, conscientiously studied Chairman Mao's writings, resolutely and thoroughly carried out the latest instructions of Chairman Mao relative to the education revolution, and, in the midst of the education revolution, have taken a joyous step forward.     

Editor's Introduction

Resolutely carrying out Chairman Mao's instructions on the proletarian revolution in education, the poor and lower-middle peasants of the Layaotzu, Sungshukou, and Waisantaokou production brigades of the Aihui people's commune in Aihui County (Heilungkiang Province) entered the schools in November last year, seizing back the power in education in rural areas and smashing complete domination of the schools by bourgeois intellectuals. The poor and lower-middle peasants are masters of culture; they have become the main force in the proletarian revolution in education in the rural areas. They have carried out the recent instruction issued by our great leader Chairman Mao: "In the countryside, schools and colleges should be managed by the poor and lower-middle peasants - the most reliable ally of the working class."     

ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE OF CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES

Several item-types which may be used to test for the acquisition of subject-matter concepts and principles are described. Each item-type is discussed in terms of its ability to tap more than reproductive capabilities. Research hypotheses deducible from the item-types are presented and discussed.