Four interim progress reports describe various aspects of the Aural Study Systems for the Visually Handicapped research project, designed to explore processes involved in aural learning by the blind and to develop an entire system of study using recorded texts. Prior to development of hardware and specifications for software for such a system, a task analysis of the processes actually involved in aural learning was undertaken to obtain necessary information for the study system development. This task analysis is reported in the first interim progress report. The second report describes an analysis of textbook content to determine a format for most efficient use of recorded material, and analysis of study techniques of sophisticated students currently using aural material for study purposes. Results of a study designed to test the effects of varying motivation and word rate on comprehension are presented in the third report. The fourth report, discussing some parameters of learning by listening, covers research dealing with amounts of time and distribution of practice in aural study as study variables affecting learning through listening. (KW)