Results of evaluation research studies, even those that are meticulously designed and carefully executed, often are not implemented. This article examines some of the critical factors that mediate between the carrying out of evaluation research and the utilization of findings. To illustrate these factors, two case studies are analyzed. (Author/EGS)

Criticizes the Holtzman Report (Boruch and Cordray) focusing on the politics behind the national educational policymaking process. (GC)

Part of a special issue on organizational research utilization, this article analyzes two National Institute of Education programs--the Research and Development Utilization Program and the Experimental Schools Program--and finds that a key reason for nonutilization of research is the "policy vacuum" in which research is conducted.…

Compares social reform strategies in Britain and America. Illustrates how programs in both countries had similar difficulties, including diffusion of research findings, clarification of objectives, and political manipulation of social research. (SK)

The uneven but significant role of policy research in forming federal student financial aid programs in the last 15 years is discussed and the implications for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in the mid-1980's are examined. (MSE)

Reviews methodological weaknesses of studies that evaluate alternative settings and programs for long-term care of the elderly. Argues that research should provide better information and present options to clients, service providers, and policymakers, rather than studying whether one alternative is more effective than another. (Author/MJL)

Points out federal influences on postsecondary education. Outlines the programmatic focus of federal postsecondary policy, lists the groups that influence policy making, and explains the policy-making process. Explores the usefulness of community college research for policy making and provides recommendations for increasing research utilization.…

The Youth Employment and Demonstration Projects Act of 1977 provided more than two hundred million dollars annually for a range of research, evaluation, and demonstration activities intended to increase understanding of the employment problems of youth and to help determine the most effective policies and programs to address these problems. The…

Discusses declining Federal support for educational programs under the Reagan administration and identifies inconsistencies in Federal arguments to support current educational funding policy. Challenges researchers to provide an analytical framework within which policymakers concerned with the financing and direction of education would be…

Longitudinal educational research in Sweden is described, with emphasis on research used for educational planning and evaluation. Educational reforms have reflected the societal goal of improved welfare for the whole population. Research is generally supported by the National Board of Education and conducted by universities. To perform educational…

A needs assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is presented. It deals with cost, design and technical issues, and utility. Suggestions include cost reduction via assessment schedule cutbacks and re-use of released NAEP exercises; and a shift from federal to private funding by selling NAEP exercises with interpretative…

Based on the experience of the past, current viewpoints, and opinions about the future as conceived by the Committee on Vocational Education Research and Development (COVERD), this paper explains a framework for considering alternative policy options and discusses the relationships among the social environment, status and trends in vocational…

This paper examines current research policies concerned with infant care and discusses these policies within the context of policies affecting the broader areas of family life and society as a whole. The paper discusses the role of the federal government in the lives of families in this country and presents a list of family-oriented goals which…

The Youth Employment and Demonstration Projects Act of 1977 (YEDPA) provided the mandate and resources for experimental and demonstration activity to determine the most effective means to alleviate the employment problems of economically disadvantaged youth. An immediate need was to establish plans and priorities for research, evaluation, and…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Longitudinal Studies Program (LSP) are major survey projects on educational outcomes performed by the Center for Education Statistics. NAEP is a continuing cross-sectional survey of young Americans' skills, knowledge, and attitudes. The LSP studies follow a sample of students as they…