'Vexing Problems' Revisited: Pitfalls for the Unwary Researcher (A Reaction to Kennedy and Weener)

Wardrop (1971) highlighted 3 common problems in reading research, problems which limit the value of experimental findings from such research. The Kennedy and Weener (1973) study illustrates 2 of those problems, control groups that do not control and "design analysis mismatch." This critique of the Kennedy-Weener article is intended to demonstrate the importance of careful attention to every aspect of the research process, from establishing a solid rationale through employing the best available analysis procedures. Critiques such as this one are seen as one means of fostering quality research which can then provide a sound knowledge base for instructional improvement.