Cites seven documents from the ERIC junior colleges collection dealing with institutional research (IR) in the community college in terms of its changing nature; methods, trends and prospects; Institutional Research (IR) functions; its role in policymaking and planning; research needs and priorities; and faculty and administrator attitudes towards…

This concise but through profile of research as the characterizing function of the American university describes how the coming of science to higher education has challenged established thought and led to new functions, such as public service and research on practical problems. The coming of science also paved the way for changes in the…

A critique of research objectives and funding patterns of the National Institute of Education, as well as recommendations for change, with special reference to the needs of minority groups and the Puerto Rican community. (EH)

In the midst of insistent demands for accountability, self-analysis by all educational institutions has become an urgent necessity. Long-range, comprehensive planning is an essential prerequisite for coping effectively with the rapid changes taking place in education, and institutional research is an essential element in such planning. For an…

A review of some alumni research conducted at Stanford University (California) and the ways the findings have been used indicates the range of development and alumni-relations issues for which market research can be valuable. It also demonstrates the value of ongoing, rather than occasional, research. (Author/MSE)

Outlines specific needs for a comprehensive research effort, describes the present status of research in the community colleges of Illinois, defines the comprehensive nature and role of community college institutional research, and considers the implications for the selection and in-service training of researchers. (DC)

PARTICIPANTS IN A CONFERENCE OF CALIFORNIA JUNIOR COLLEGE PRESIDENTS AND RESEARCH DIRECTORS CONSIDERED (1) THE PURPOSES AND= USES OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, (2) THE SCOPE OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, WITH PAPERS GIVING THE POINTS OF VIEW OF A COLLEGE PRESIDENT, THE COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, (3)…

Argues that the need for research on the community college is intensified by the ever-changing character of learner needs and community conditions. Addresses two criticisms of two-year college research: the same questions are researched repeatedly and the effort overtaxes institutions. Calls for a stronger research base on the two-year college.…

Summarizes several significant research studies conducted since 1978 that have focused on community colleges. Offers an agenda for future research, covering student objectives and outcomes, administrative decision making, and faculty administrator relationships. Identifies several research issues as fundamental to repositioning community colleges…

Some ways in which research on student financial aid can be conducted and used to further institutional goals and objectives are presented. Four topics for inclusion in an institution's research agenda are suggested: recruiting, measuring the aid program's effectiveness, expanding aid resources, and analyzing family financial capacity. (Author/MSE)

Film audience research complements institutional research, verifying scholarship on the meanings films have to viewers and providing broad-based explanations of film images. Most important, such research focuses on the decision and motivation processes people use before they set foot in the movie theater, thereby helping to construct a context…

An analysis is provided of institutional research conducted by community colleges in an effort to draw conclusions about appropriate standards for different types of studies. The paper focuses on four categories of research: (1) research conducted to fulfill external reporting requirements and to influence policy at state and federal levels; (2)…

In the past, almost all student follow-up studies have been cross institutional or very broad in nature. The target has consisted of populations of graduates, dropouts, or longitudinal entering classes. The output measures have centered around continued education of the population, job situation, mobility, reason for leaving, or a general…

Presents a model of community college decision making based on institutional research illustrated using a case study of Pueblo Community College (Colorado). Describes three stages of an action plan including curriculum renewal, development of assessment and remediation services, and image improvement. Reviews results of research-based activities…

Whether termed "quality indicators,""student outcomes," or "measures of accountability," the concern for educational effectiveness is surfacing as the new focus for community colleges. Key to the realization of educational accountability is the availability of solid research information that can assess to what extent results are being achieved.…