Trends in vocational education research and development (R&D) were investigated for the 20-year period of 1963-1983. Hardcopy and computerized data sources were content-analyzed into data-generated categories. Graphs plotting relative frequencies of the identified, categorized R&D activities were analyzed for trends. Such R&D is concluded to be diffused and unfocused, with federal legislation and priority-setting processes believed to be responsible. (Author)