This study is designed in part to update a 1965 publication and to note changes in the pattern of State research and research related activities since that time. It is intended to provide State research directors with an exchange of State department practices in organization, staffing, funding, and contracting for research related activities; an identification of projects completed and under way; and an identification of personnel employed in State departments. Survey data were gathered through (1) site visits to 12 geographically representative States known to be active in research and development; (2) mailed questionnaires that probed into the organization, financing, staffing, and content of State activities -- not only in the research unit but also throughout the department; and (3) meetings at the nine regional USOE offices where RDDDE personnel from 31 States discussed the situations in their own departments. The procedures used to collect and analyze the data are described in one chapter; another chapter presents the results of the work; and the presentation concludes with a reflection on the meanings of the findings, an interpretation, and general recommendations. Eight appendixes contain definitions of terms, samples of instruments used in the study, lists of people participating, statistical tables, a project catalogue, and a project list. (Author/MLF)