Explores concerns about the functions of research and uses of research findings, examines the institutional context of research and some of the problems faced by social sciences, and identifies some possible approaches and changes in institutional structure which would strengthen the role and effectiveness of social scientists and rural…

Provides a detailed introduction to the variety of purposes for which evaluation research may be used and to the range of methods currently employed in the practice of that field. Uses specific examples, where appropriate, to provide concrete illustrations of both the goals of evaluation researchers and the methods used. (Author)

Reviews methodology and findings of a study comparing the locally directed evaluation (LDE) practices in vocational education between Illinois community colleges and secondary schools. Analyzes responses from 74 percent (N=29) of the community colleges and 51 percent (N=61) of the secondary schools with respect to LDE purposes, activities, staff…

An alternative approach to the professional development of educators is described. This approach focuses on the interrelationship between teacher behavior and child behavior and their joint influence on the learning environment. Theory and practice in education are interactive concepts rather than discreet and isolated entities. (JN)

The skilled school communication specialist, when describing research-related information to the community, can build trust in the schools and bridge the research/power structure/community gap. (Author)

A survey of graduates of the University of South Carolina's College of Social Work master's program is reported. Data on the extent of dissemination and utilization of their theses revealed that over half of the student research was used in a practitioner-beneficial manner. Variables relating to research utilization are identified. (Author/MLW)

An information feedback model and an ideology of evaluation are posed and contrasted with experiences in evaluation research. Impact on policy is the criterion for success of an evaluation and political constraints block this impact. Some ways social researchers might conceptualize and construct an appropriate base of power are considered.…

Research findings concerning some of the basic features of the learning process are discussed, together with their practical applications to the training process. The article proposes a three-stage framework for understanding the learning process: attract attention, maintain attention, and facilitate effective coding and storing of new material.…

Contrasted are industrial research and university research. Highlights include a description of the role of research in industry, as in new product development; an examination of positive and negative effects of research on engineering faculty selection and advancement; and a discussion of industry's expectations of new graduates as able…

The Legislative Environmental Advisory Group (LEAG) is an experimental program whose purpose is to produce public policy research on environmental issues for Iowa state legislators. LEAG's membership, selection of six manageable research areas, evaluation of projects, scheduling, and dissemination of results are briefly discussed. (MLW)

It is pointed out that researchers must articulate clearly both the implications of their data for policy and the limitations of those data. Both researchers and policy-makers should remember that each student is more than a collection of variables. (Author/AF)

The academic community and the support base for higher education are seen as two seemingly opposing forces. Institutional research is proposed as a third force which, in its role of intermediary and articulator, can re-energize the planning-management systems of higher education. (Article originally published in 1972.) (AF)

The article presents a theoretical framework for evaluating the utility of consumer product testing methods involving four factors which determine a method's utility, validity, reliability, manageability, and essentiality. The framework is applied to three situations, including comparative evaluation of test methods, comparative product testing,…

Much institutional research is carried out at great cost but has little continued impact on institutions of higher education. Some of the barriers to the effective use of research and the experience of institutional research at the Open University of Great Britain are discussed. (JMD)

What principals know about emerging trends in personnel evaluation and how their knowledge has been influenced by school contexts was studied with 64 principals in 4 very different school districts. Principal responses reflected differing degrees of knowledge and implementation of ideas suggested by recent research. (SLD)