Examines budgetary cutbacks in federal data systems. Concludes that (1) justifications for cutbacks are unconvincing; (2) cutbacks have affected data availability and quality severely; (3) the feasibility of the idea that major data users should collect their own information is dubious; and (4) special evaluation studies cannot substitute for…

Discusses problems that social scientists face when evaluating social programs, including cost, methodological concerns, and the development and application of new analytical techniques. (GC)

Discusses research which focused on two topics: research conducted for the evaluation of major governmental social programs, and competitive public contracting as the instrumentality for bringing about mobilization of specific resources for that purpose; the need to evaluate public programs has been a major source of expanding demand for social…

Noting that one of the major ways in which social science can be utilized by society, it is stated, is through the application of experimental method to analysis of social problems, this article explores the organizational and institutional conditions under which social experimentation might be most effectively utilized for the benefit of society.…

Examines the development of Federal job training programs, including the Job Corps, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), and the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Argues that these programs have actually harmed participants and wasted millions of tax dollars. (FMW)

Twenty-five years of evaluation research are reviewed. Findings show that evaluations of social programs have been negative. Policymakers often blamed the evaluators when it was not clear why certain programs had failed. There is hope for a better working relationship as evaluators adopt better methods and social policy becomes more rational. (VM)

Analyzes shifts in Federal educational policy during the Reagan Administration. Finds the following changes: (1) modification of the basic Federal role; (2) growth and independence of the State role; and (3) development of Reagan's priority of academic excellence over educational equity. (FMW)