The research in progress that is presented in this paper focuses on the preliminary results of a study examining the differences and similarities in data obtained using the one-to-one versus small group procedures for designing and conducting formative evaluations of instructional materials. The materials chosen were the microbiology print module of the "Instructional Materials for the Dental Health Profession." When selected for the study, the materials were in draft form, needed revision, required 1 hour of learner time, concerned a subject unfamiliar to the target population, were developed by instructional designers applying guidelines of systematic instructional development, and included criterion-referenced tests. The materials were chosen for first-year nursing students at two junior college campuses offering nursing programmes in English on the Island of Montreal. Thirty-six subjects on each campus were assigned to 1 of 4 one-to-one or small group conditions. Data were gathered in via a posttest, attitudinal questionnaire, and debriefing sessions. Results indicate that although there are few significant differences in the amounts of data gathered by the techniques under investigation, different techniques do result in different kinds of feedback data. An appendix contains numerous data tables and figures. (TJH)