International Review of Education

Five areas were selected for this paper, related mainly to educational administration. Attention has been paid to the ‘pieces’ of research that were carried out in each area; how they related to previous findings and how each new piece contributed (sometimes) new dimensions to knowledge of the problem and towards its solution. The description highlights both the heuristic approach and the role of serendipity. Implicit is also the role of key people, an aspect not yet analysed. A few counter-examples of research that have not produced significant effects are provided in order to avoid big conclusions with little evidence. Several issues are raised, some of which deserve careful examination. The degree of development of each country may be associated with the types of relevant research. Replication also must be studied in order to define criteria to avoid duplication while still respecting the need for local studies. This question is related to the issue of ‘accumulation’ of knowledge that seems specially crucial in developing countries. Finally, more attention should be given to the effects of the ‘research process’ rather than to the effects of specific pieces of research.