I would think that more variables need to be taken into consideration when studying a limited number of students. Don't get me wrong, a few classes involves dozens upon dozens of students. But in this type of study I would prefer looking at students from a variety of classes and subject matters (as the subject does affect the level of participation in each student) over the course of several semesters. Additionally, I'd like to see a variety of teaching styles. On pg 499. Wolfe makes the comment that the professors slipped into IRE and thus observing their interaction became difficult. But essentially how engaging a professor is also effects the outcome of the data which once again leads me to want a variety of different professors in a variety of different classes that engage the students differently. I would also assume that there should be some kind of control or consistency within the various observations.
Wolfe's study was interesting; especially in the onset in which she gives the background of previous conceptions and the issues with them involving the vagueness of terms such as "minorities." It was a good start but it left me wanting more empirical data. It also leaves me to question the areas in which this study was taken place; the ethnic make-up of the campus, city and community as well as recognizing the shifting changes in individual cultures as students are becoming more and more immersed in technology.
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