Before presenting an analysis of vocational research and development during the last decade, an overview is given of educational research and development in general and its relationship to society and societal changes. The author's ideas are offered from different perspectives: As an educational administrator, a federal program administrator, a consultant to local school districts, and professor. Legislative and administrative policies are reviewed and objectives of the Office of Education for Vocational Education Research and Development are discussed. An analysis is made of vocational education research and development program goals addressing the questions of priorities, priority establishment, problems, voids, and sustained inquiry. Also discussed is the impact of federal policy and funding for vocational education research and development on state organization, state administration, state policy, state priorities, and state program and project funding. Several specific conclusions are offered to support the position that vocational education research and development has not caused major changes in education to any great degree. Recommendations include specific procedures and processes for application of research and development, dissemination of results to policy makers and administrators, and greater expenditure for dissemination of evaluated results. (NJ)