Compares social reform strategies in Britain and America. Illustrates how programs in both countries had similar difficulties, including diffusion of research findings, clarification of objectives, and political manipulation of social research. (SK)

Examines several obstacles to the effective use of social science research in school desegregation controversies and discusses the needs of judges, administrators, and elected officials who must make decisions concerning desegregation plans. Available from Duke University Press, Box 6697 College Station, Durham, NC 27708. (Author/IRT)

A comprehensive assessment and dissemination study is presented which can be used to design continuing education programs and services for constituents of a professional association that are based on data describing their personal and situational circumstances. In this report, community college libraries and learning resources centers are the…

Findings from research on adult learning abilities and patterns are summarized, with examples of their application to the operation of the Manitoba (Canada) New Careers training program. The author stresses that adult education materials and experiences must be relevant to the real life concerns, backgrounds, and environment of the adult. (MF)

Although substantial efforts have been made in social science research in rural areas, the assembled data often has not been extensively utilized by decision makers. This paper proposes a collaboration between researchers and decision makers and suggests guidelines for enhancing research utilization. (DS)

Suggests reassessment of research methods, strategies, and aims relevant to curricular/instructional decision making in the social studies. Limitations include the lack of clear-cut implications of findings for practice and the lack of cumulative findings relevant to the real life of the school. (Author/KC)

The transfer of technology from universities to industry is discussed. Increasingly universities are being considered as elements in industrial development. How universities should fulfill this role and forms of transfer mechanisms are examined, including university administrations, and nonprofit or commercial interface organizations. (Author/SF)

Research has helped us very little, but doesn't mean that it can't help a great deal in the future. It depends on how effectively counselors, as individuals and as a profession, meet the challenge to conduct research that is meaningful and useful to the practitioner in the field. (Author)

Asserts that it is irrational that the ideas of genetics should be used by some scientists to support the ideologies of racism and sexism. Whether the boundaries of women's "place in society" were erected with the "bricks of theology or the cement of genetic determinism," the intention is that the barriers shall remain strong. (Author/JM)

Recent Institute of Medicine directives for better use of oral health services can not be accomplished without health services research. One central research need concerns outcomes and effects of dental treatment. This will require better measures of a patient's oral health status, data on cost-effectiveness of common dental procedures, practice…

There is a need for cross-disciplinary or cross-institutional research on student learning outcomes in graduate and professional education. Challenges in this endeavor include determining the purposes of assessment and who conducts it, identifying and defining outcomes, and managing the use of results. (MSE)

The tendency of higher education researchers to focus on discovery and not practice- and policy-relevant research will not garner the needed public support. Attention should be directed to addressing issues confronting practitioners and policymakers, contributing to the solution of important current problems, communicating better with…

The Emory University (Georgia) Center for Clinical Evaluation Sciences is designed as an analytical resource for the university's health care delivery system and to promote health services research across the university. It also has potential as a resource for training medical students, house staff, and faculty in the evaluative clinical sciences.…

Research is the only enforcement tool provided for in the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and is therefore the most realistic hope for real change. Some of the difficulties of research on children's rights are reviewed, considering methodology and interpretation. (SLD)

Two major advances in the provision of behavioral support to students with severe disabilities include: (1) procedures for conducting functional assessment, and (2) design of comprehensive interventions. The research foundation for these advances, implications for clinicians, and future research directions are presented. (Author/DB)