Presents a tour of the field of higher education studies, including research on higher education, citing the relevant publication series and journals dealing with the subject, the strongest institutions worldwide offering university-level studies in the field, and the antecedents of the endeavor. (EV)

These aspects of research on higher education in the German Democratic Republic are discussed: research objectives based on the social requirements of the 1980s and 1990s, selected research topics and dissemination of results, research methodology, and research management in a national and international framework. (MSE)

A major change in the pattern of U.S. research on higher education is occurring, characterized by more emphasis on state policy, institutional type, and issues shared by institutions. Methodology is broadening to include more historic, ethnographic, and qualitative research as well as quantitative study. (MSE)

The evolution of the role of research and development units in Netherlands higher education in the last two decades is discussed in the context of its tasks, organization, and position in the university hierarchy; dissemination of research results; cooperation with other units and researchers; and the field of study. (MSE)

Trends in higher education research in England are noted, particularly the transition from a laissez-faire system to one characterized by greater control and planning. The two major areas of investigation, patterns of access to higher education and instruction, are noted, and two major research projects are described. (MSE)

The organization of research in Norway, recent developments, postwar trends, and current trends in research are described. Current emphases include women's participation, higher education and work, curriculum development, instructional methods, and learning. (MSE)

The efforts of the West German Zentrales Institut fuer Fernstudienforschung, an institute developed in 1975 to study distance education, are discussed, including its major studies of distance students, methods and media, course development, student-teacher interaction, program administration, and other issues. (MSE)