In this article, the author will focus on Seymour's article titled, "And What is the Public Interest?" (Sarason, 1986). To the author, the core of the article is as follows: "And what is the public interest? At its phenomenological root it is a picture of a triad: the individual, the society, and the bases on which they give meaning to each other.…

Seymour was a renaissance man: widely read in not only psychology but also anthropology, sociology, philosophy, economics, political science, and most especially history. Seymour taught the author the value of being historically informed, which has been an invaluable tool ever since. Seymour had a way of conceptualizing and reformulating whatever…

To overcome problems of trivia and nostalgia, a problem-centered approach to community oral history projects is proposed. Instead of cataloging details about aspects of past social life, the projects might shape their inquiry as an effort to understand a problem facing the community, a problem with contemporary significance but historical roots.…

Research can strengthen both the Asian American community and community-based service organizations. Academic research can be more valuable to service providers if researchers do the following: (1) define areas of concern; (2) keep research information updated and current; and (3) commit themselves to follow through. (PS)