Discusses the formulation of a global strategy for the eradication of adult illiteracy. The strategy must involve the definition and discussion of options available to policy makers and the promotion of research that clarifies policy choices and planning decisions. (JOW)

This essay outlines the theoretical framework surrounding the debate on school desegregation and offers a reanalysis of the role of research in school desegregation. (Author/AM)

Describes four stages of policy formulation (issue definition, deliberation on policy options, authoritative allocation, and performance oversight) and four types of policy-relevant social research (descriptive, explanatory, critical, and forecasting). Proposes a model showing the linkages among research types, policy-making stages, and policy…

The linkage between policy research and policy formation can be strengthened through the use of qualitative methods. Currently, the linkage between policy research and policy decision making is tenuous; there are differences in philosophy, function, self-definition, and criteria by which success is measured. Although research cannot dictate the…

This report is one of a series of papers on policy alternatives commissioned by the California Legislature's Joint Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education. Most of the papers are directed toward synthesis and analysis of existing information and perspectives on the role of research in California. Topics cover the categories of research…

Inherent differences between the legal-adversary process and empirical social science research are damaging to the growth of social science and to its usefulness in court. Changes are suggested which would increase the value of social science findings in court decision making. (Author/GDC)

Millions of young children in the United States are cared for daily by someone other than their parents, and a growing number are cared for in child-care centers. This research and policy brief, a quarterly synthesis of issues addressed by investigators and affiliates of the National Center for Early Development & Learning, focuses on quality…

Explores the relationship of social science research to social policy making, stressing that social science models and research findings are largely irrelevant to the actual concerns of policymakers and noting the ways in which ideological factors mediate the process. (SLD)

The perspectives of this scholar-activist are focused on interactions between evaluation studies and policy research, and reflect a strong commitment to improving people's lives through the conduct of better research, targeted directly on policy-making processes. Journal availability: see TM 503 798. (Author/CP)

A critique of a research study regarding policy formation at the state level is presented, focusing on the "assumptive world" of the researchers. While the researchers have created a new vista for study in this area, there is a great need for improved mthodology. (CB)

The articles of this theme issue explore the use of educational research and whether the American Educational Research Association should play more of an advocacy role in the educational policymaking process. The challenge is one of expanding debate and discussion on educational research beyond the research community to the policy process. (SLD)

Recent developments in the social policy literature suggest a growing overlap in community and social policy interests and methods. This combination of community and policy interests is illustrated by tracing successive steps of the Illinois Residential Life Survey in order to support programming decisions about community mental health in a…

Discusses the need for more involvement by Black students and scholars in the study of the needs and problems of this country's Black population. Calls for a collective effort on the part of Black institutions to systematically conduct research for and about American Blacks. (Author/BE)

A speech by Chancellor Donna E. Shalala of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is presented; it calls for a broadening university commitment to societal issues and for the university to engage in basic research on social policy issues in a fashion similar to the fundamental science and technology research currently undertaken. The lecture…