A brief summary of social studies research from 1976 to 1983 is divided into five parts. "Cognitive Thinking and Cognitive Process Research" presents a definition of critical thinking, recommendations for cognitive process instruction, and results of cognitive process research concerning the relationship between learning style and developmental level. "Early Childhood/Elementary Social Studies Research" discusses recent research indicating the connection between the development of the young child's sense of self, school performance, and social relationships. Also discussed is research in the areas of spatial development, general concept formation skill development, and information processing skill development. "Research in the Socio-Moral Domain" considers research on values clarification, community involvement and social action approaches to social studies education, and cooperative learning. "Ethnographic Research" focuses on the effects of significant changes in curriculum, instructional practices, and personnel. The role of ethnographic research in sensitizing social educators to the complex interactive nature of instruction is also discussed. "Research on the Foundations of Social Education" outlines debates regarding the purpose of social education, particularly those debates arising over the "Three Traditions" approach. A list of references concludes the paper. (LP)