The purpose of this conference was to provide a framework for improving the quality and increasing the quantity of nutrition education research. Emphasis was placed upon examining the research process from the standpoint of theory or model building. Presentations were made on: (1) "Nutrition Education Research Policy in Washington" (Luise Light); (2) "Nutrition Education Research: Perspectives and Directions" (Barbara Shannon and Susan Oace); (3) "Nutrition Education Research: Focus from Previous Conferences" (Laura Sims); (4) "Theory and Model Building" (Herbert Walberg); (5) "Toward a Framework for Theory Building in Nutrition Education Research" (Isobel Contento); (6) "Multimedia and Bicultural Approach to Nutrition Education" (Henry Breitrose); (7) "The Need for Bicultural and Multimedia Approaches" (Johanna Dwyer); (8) "The Functions of Theory" (Peter Miller); (9) "Food Preferences and Eating Patterns" (LeAnn Birch); (10) "Usefulness of Psychological Traditions for Theory Building" (Isobel Contento); (11) "Social Science Methodologies for Studying Parents' Perceptions of Children's Food Activities" (Audrey Maretzki); (12) "Planning and Evaluating Television Materials on Nutrition" (James Swinehart); and (12) "Studying the Role of Television for Nutrition Education" (Katherine Clancy). (JD)