Data collected as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation study of residency programs for training in primary medicine and pediatrics are analyzed. The seven residencies supported by the federal government and the nine residencies supported by the Foundation are compared. A brief description of the programs as they existed in 1978 are presented. The following areas were investigated: problems encountered in developing primary care residencies; goals of primary care residency programs; clinical affiliation; professional qualities of the teaching staff; enrollment in the programs; demographic characteristics of residents; educational background of residents; performance of residents on the National Board of Medical Examiners Examinations; performance of residents in internal medicine and pediatrics; plans of residents, reasons for selecting a particular program, and reasons for leaving primary care training programs; how staff rate the primary care residents; characteristics of the patient population; some characteristics of the training programs; time spent in activities, such the ward and outpatient services; program evaluation; sources of funding and funding information; and organization aspects of the programs. Appendices include sample questionnaires that were administered National Board to residents, program directors, and staff; interview questions; and interview responses. Among the recommendations are to include as many colleagues as possible in the development of the residency training program. (SW)