Systemic understanding of potential research activities and available technology seeds at university level is an essential condition to promote interdisciplinary and vision-driven collaboration in an attempt to cope with complex sustainability and environmental problems. Nonetheless, any such practices have been hardly conducted at universities…

National goals demand a continuing high rate of research and development activities by individuals and private firms. Support for such activities should be part of the overall policy of local and Federal agencies. (Author/RA)

The linkage between policy research and policy formation can be strengthened through the use of qualitative methods. Currently, the linkage between policy research and policy decision making is tenuous; there are differences in philosophy, function, self-definition, and criteria by which success is measured. Although research cannot dictate the…

Explores the relationship of social science research to social policy making, stressing that social science models and research findings are largely irrelevant to the actual concerns of policymakers and noting the ways in which ideological factors mediate the process. (SLD)

The perspectives of this scholar-activist are focused on interactions between evaluation studies and policy research, and reflect a strong commitment to improving people's lives through the conduct of better research, targeted directly on policy-making processes. Journal availability: see TM 503 798. (Author/CP)

Points out that educational research has more critics than supporters. Until researchers convince lawmakers, educators, and taxpayers that research is useful, support for research will not be forthcoming. The constraints on and accomplishments of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement are discussed. (VM)

The social sciences tend to address easily quantifiable aspects of human life and produce statistical findings of value only to scholars and scientists. The Hite studies, which address ordinary human concerns and present their findings in a form easily understood by the general public, represent a model for the future. (Author/RM)

Considers some ways to improve the milieu in which educational research and development takes place, including balancing procurement methods, modifying expectations of R & D, building a political constituency and developing realistic legislative goals, obtaining continual adequate research support, and, joining researchers and practitioners.…

In response to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," this counterpoint addresses the role of basic versus applied research, limitations of the procedure proposed by Swanson for establishing external validity and proving the metatheory, and limitations of metatheoretical research with regard to developing…

A congressman discusses adverse effects of Federal policy and budget cuts on social programs for children, holds that children's lack of political visibility means that their interests are not always protected, and examines the role of psychologists and the Congressional Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families in promoting child welfare.…

Examines some of the factors that determine whether and how psychological research will affect public policies regarding children. Stresses the importance of the political climate in influencing research utilization and says that researchers must know when to introduce their findings into the policy making process. (Author/MJL)

This Technical Committee Report provides an overview and historical sketch of research in aging and proposes a need for new knowledge. An examination of key issues notes the difficulty in assigning priority to research topics, and identifies emerging issues of public concern including: (1) physical health (alcohol and drugs, falls and accidents,…

This paper examines the development of service policy for people with intellectual disabilities in Australia, noting the minor role of research and empirical enquiry. Research's significant role in monitoring policy during the implementation phase is, however, acknowledged. A coordinated research program contributing to both policy development and…

There is little research-based analysis of education's past or prospective contribution to the constitutional reconstruction of Scottish participatory democracy. Describes the constitutional changes occurring in Scotland and the relationship between educational research and policy. Analyzes positive and negative elements of educational research…

Research models and the issue of public/private utilization of research are discussed, along with implications for development research in Africa. The following types of research are distinguished: policy research, sectoral research, academic research, and consultancy-related research. Three research paradigms are identified: (1) the ideal…