Numerous studies describe dropping-out behavior, but few explain it. Examines the themes of retention literature within the context of a theoretical framework and seeks to identify research problems which may be encountered by investigators seeking to examine the phenomenon of persistence in higher education. Further work is suggested. (Author/BEF)

Investigates a hypothesized continuum of school behavior that presents school transfer as an alternative to dropping out. Data from the High School and Beyond survey base year and first followup are used to compare 792 transfers and 1,543 dropouts and to support such a continuum. (SLD)