Making a case for initiation of a systematic methodology that would predict and evaluate the potential social ramifications of scientific research, this monograph presents: (1) a review of the general lack of social concern among scientific researchers and rationale for utilization of scientific agricultural research as initiator of social prediction policies and techniques (because agricultural research is systematic, incremental, applied, and funded via public resources); (2) a section on developing the art of social prediction which includes a state of the art review, a dual approach to social prediction (development of predictive and evaluative methodology), the potential advantages of social prediction (better understanding of the possible outcomes of a piece of research facilitates the process by which public policy is formed; practical concerns can be better dealt with as methodologies of prediction and evaluation develop; and analyses of the results of projected research can facilitate long range planning and benefit specific groups); (3) a section on the implementation of predictive and evaluative approaches which includes the functions of prediction (emphasis on the role of a "predictive advisor"), the functions of evaluation, and the past experience of environmental-impact statements; and (4) appendices which include an exemplary administrative structure and social-impact statement. (JC)