Three assumptions to consider in strengthening the relationship among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are (1) link inquiry to the social, political, and economic context; (2) include input from practitioners and policymakers; (3) recognize that the influence of research results is diffuse; and (4) foster a collaborative, interactive…

Presents the role of human resource development practitioners as organizational researchers. Describes a model for validating instruments, constructs, and strategies, based on communication theory. Cites common errors and issues in the validation of measurement and demonstrates uses of the heuristic validation model. (SK)

Highlights some of the limitations of meta-analytic knowledge claims. Illustrates their problematic consequences for later research. Details effective methods of dealing with these potential problems. (SR)

Social policy in gerontology has emanated from research based on the majority population. Policy restructuring based on diverse populations is needed to reflect the growing diversity of elderly people. (SK)

"Research-transfer" and "adult education" program models are barriers to closer working relationships among extension and other agencies; an interdependence model that combines the perspectives of extension held by the other two models should improve cooperation and collaboration and build support for extension. (Author/JOW)

The applicability of marketing research to development of college programs in collaboration with other institutions or individuals is discussed. It is recommended that college administrators conduct ongoing environmental scanning to identify major opportunities for joint programs, forming research groups to screen basic ideas and explore program…

Current adult education research does not meet the field's needs because of constraints of university status, prevalence of the humanistic model, fragmentation, and other issues. Solutions include broadening inquiry, developing multiple perspectives, and changing how research is taught. (SK)

Introduces a set of companion essays that examine reviews as a mode of inquiry. Explores the practice and outcomes of reviews in their political and conceptual contexts as research methodology and considers what a review is, what it reveals, who benefits from a review, and the actions implied by review findings. (SLD)

Includes "Putting Research Findings into Practice to Improve Testing" (Dyer); "Using Research Findings" (Knight); "Show Me the Money" (Osborne); "Program of Activities" (Torres, Dormody); "May Cannibals Ask Questions?" (Edwards); "Experiential Learning" (Andreasen); and "Research into Practice: A Complex, Unpredictable Process" (Budke). (SK)

A series of workshops to help British nurses learn to appraise research and use it in practice was evaluated through questionnaires and study of three workshop sites. The programs effectively reduced fear and increased understanding of research, overcoming the problem of jargon. Critical appraisal skills were improved. (SK)

Suggests why qualitative research is frequently neither discussed nor used by the broad public, considering five barriers to making research more accessible, discussing how to make it more germane to problems faced by diverse groups in their everyday lives, and offering constructive ways to make qualitative research findings more accessible to the…

A survey of 127 universities found increased numbers licensing patented technologies to businesses. Elements aiding this increase included policies encouraging faculty entrepreneurship and a business support system that helps identify industry needs and ways to be responsive. (SK)

The Cochrane Collaboration is an international project to locate, review, and disseminate information on available randomized controlled trials of health care interventions. Occupational therapists can use it to learn about best practices and evaluate research relevant to their clients. (SK)

Describes the action research model used by the Pennsylvania Action Research Network, summarizes impact evaluation results since 1995, and concludes that the network has had a major impact on the professional development of adult educators in the state. (SK)

The National Research Council proposes to improve student learning through its Strategic Education Research Program. With its focus on effective translation of research into practice, the proposal fails to acknowledge the public and professional value of research as a source of understanding, reflection, and action. Presents educational,…