This finding was extremely relevant in the given context as it helped create a better image over the study of distance education. Otherwise put, the three authors were able to reveal the most important forces which impact the study of distance education. They found that whereas theory plays a vital role in the formation of opinions and the conducting of research, the most significant source is the actual practice and the largest parts of the results have been retrieved through empirical studies. 3. How valuable and how interesting did you find this research?

The research conducted by the authors of the Past, Present, and Future of Research in Distance Education: Results of a Content Analysis is interesting as it offers a historical approach over the topic at hand. The numerous references to previous studies and various other authors give it credibility and make it a relevant piece within the specialized literature on the field. The study is also valuable as it presents various standpoints in answering to a multitude of questions. Foremost, the value of the study is given by its ability to raise additional questions that could constitute the basis for future studies.

Another reason which makes the study a valuable one is its correctness and clarity. The findings are verified...

Otherwise put, the findings of Lee, Driscoll, & Nelson can be regarded as base knowledge in the field of adult education and can be used by both practitioners and theoreticians.
Yet another argument in favour of the value of the study is its reliance on peer-reviewed articles. All articles and studies from which Lee, Driscoll, & Nelson draw were featured in the American Journal of Distance Education, the Journal of Distance Education, Distance Education or Open Learning - the most prominent resources on the field. Foremost, the selection of these four journals has not been based only on the argument of strength and correctness of the data. To better explain, the selection of these four journals ensures a continuity of the study as the exact same resources had been used in a previous analyses. Finally, a last argument to prove the value and worth of the study is the fact that it is based on no less than 383 articles, which offer it credibility.

Reference:

Lee, Y., Driscoll, M.P., Nelson, D.W.. The Past, Present and Future of Research in Distance Education: Results of a Content Analysis, Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University