This study is concerned with domonstrating and discussing some of the differences between scientific fields in the functioning of graduate departments, where the goals of teaching and research and the technology determined by the structure of knowledge are in close interaction. (Authors)

Criticisms of attempts to measure the educational and research quality of universities are discussed, particularly with respect to methods that rely on the quality of faculty publications. However, it is argued that institutions supported by public funds must be accountable and some form of assessment is necessary. (JMD)