Over the past few years, the focus group method has assumed a very important role as a method for collecting qualitative data in social and behavioural science research. This article elucidates theoretical and practical problems and prospects associated with the use of focus groups as a qualitative research method in social and behavioural science…

Five operational steps are proposed to PERT out" a communication research project; advantages of PERT in planning communication research are described. (Author)

If correctional evaluation research is to contribute to the accumulation of practical knowledge, it should be designed to test abstract behavioral science principles that explain why a particular type of program should change the future conduct of a specific category of clientele. (Author)

Basic and methodological considerations, organizational context of social action programs affect the introduction, execution, and utilization of evaluative research. Tensions between administrators and evaluators, and client activism are two of the problems discussed. (VW)

Integrative and separate approaches to education in social work research are considered in eight papers. In "Education of Human Services Practitioners for Clinical Evaluation," Naomi Gottlieb and Cheryl Richey consider clinical research courses offered in conjunction with practice methods courses at the School of Social Work, University…

This paper presents a moderately detailed overview of research and development needs through an analysis of past, current, and planned research efforts, in conjunction with recommendations of a sociological, political, and moral nature. This approach is in line with pleas for more comprehensive theories and for assessment and programming which…

A project to expand the participation of faculty from predominantly black colleges and universities in educational research and development is described. During three 4-week summer residential workshops, three courses were offered: Models and Methods of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Computer Utilization in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and a…

This document, produced through an ESEA Title III grant, contains seven position papers on education evaluation from the standpoints of psychology, sociology, political science, business management, school administration, and computer science. The first paper summarizes the history of educational program evaluation and reviews current theories and…