The NAAEE Workshop on Developing Guidelines for Qualitative Research in Environmental Education: An analysis of premises, processes and products

Abstract

This article comments on the draft research guidelines prepared by Smith-Sebasto arising from the 1997 Annual Conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). It critically reviews premises regarding: (a) the viability of one set of guidelines for all qualitative research approaches; (b) the viability of one set of guidelines for designing, conducting and reporting research; and (c) the uniqueness of EE research. It also reviews the workshop setting as a venue for addressing research training needs and for developing research guidelines. Then, it reviews the draft guidelines for organization,scope, inclusiveness, bias, and attention to evolving practice. It closes with a recommendation that these guidelines be more carefully reviewed and refined.