The actual impact of research and demonstration projects in vocational education is evaluated. Criteria for a reliable research design are specified regarding sample size, sample selection, control groups, and economic and educational benefit and cost evaluation. The impact of research and demonstration projects is analyzed in the areas of curriculum, teacher education, learning processes, capital equipment and facilities, supportive services, and innovative input combinations. The actual contribution of these projects to vocational education is examined in two aspects: The characteristics of research and demonstration projects that satisfy the ideal criteria in actual implementation are discussed, and the extent to which educators and policy makers have made use of the research and demonstration projects is evaluated. The general conclusion is that although some demonstration projects have helped modify or improve instruction techniques, limitations still exist: (1) Lack of adequate research design or evaluation methodology, (2) abundance of descriptive studies, (3) weakness in survey technique, and (4) weakness of impact due to small sample size, limited population, or triviality of problem tested. A table displays a sampling of a variety of projects funded under Parts C, D, and I of the vocational education amendments. (NJ)