It is not. I agree, Jan. I did not intend to imply that ALL research is tainted. In fact you point out an excellent example of good educational research. My intention was to demonstrate how often ideology can negatively affect interpretation of research, and then to show how a much more rigorous approach to research in education would greatly improve our educational knowledge base.
Education is such an emotionally charged area.
You can't just continue asking questions. I'm serious - look at other areas of disciplined inquiry. They experienced an enlightenment through use of the then fledgling scientific method. When legitimate peer review is the norm rather than an abberation. See the link below.