Q & A: Researcher Sees Reason for Optimism in Social-Studies Texts

Social-studies textbooks have long borne the brunt of criticism aimed at classroom materials. Attacked as bland, "dumbed down,'' and superficial, the books have also come under fire from representatives of minority groups, who complain that the books ignore the contributions of their cultures.

But a new federally funded study by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests some cause for optimism. The researchers analyzed four of the best-selling social-studies textbook programs used in grades 2, 4, and 6 and compared the results with those of similar reviews conducted in the 1980's. They say the books they examined, all of which were published between 1989 and 1991, show some improvement over earlier editions.

Margaret J. Rogers, the project's research coordinator, discussed the study with...