The nature of research in the field of intellectual disability is discussed, categories of basic research from published articles are analyzed, and issues are identified. Strongly recommended is the establishment of a national foundation in Australia to identify research priorities and coordinate research efforts. (DB)

This introductory article reviews trends in research in intellectual disability in Australia and reports on a workshop of the Research and Development Advisory Committee of the Department of Community Services and Health, that identified knowledge gaps and key issues. A coherent programmatic research agenda, characterized by interaction between…

Comments on Falvey's article, focusing on whether and how research in mental health counseling can be enhanced. Makes a distinction between appreciation and consumption of research on the one hand, and research production on the other hand. Discusses ways of enhancing appreciation/consumption and production. (Author/ABL)

Responds to Elizabeth Falvey's article and Charles Gelso's reply to Falvey's article. Focuses on essential elements articulated by these two authors to a critical problem confronting mental health counseling profession-the split between mental health counseling practice and research. Calls for a rethinking of the discipline. (ABL)

Notes that the current policy of the Federal Government in support of educational Research and Development is more comprehensive, vigorous and supportive than any previous policy or combination of policies have been in this arena. (Author/AM)

This paper briefly reviews the research in social and behavioral interventions with autism in the past 30 years. Progress in the areas of decreased placement in highly restrictive environments, parent training, effective treatments, functional behavioral analysis, and emphasis on improved quality of life is noted. Research needs in the area of…

The author, the 1996 winner of the Council for Exceptional Children Research Award, reviews trends in research and changes in special education over the past 25 years. Emphasis is on the continued need for research on learning disabilities and ways to ensure that research findings are translated into practice. (DB)

This keynote address reviews previous efforts at developing a research policy agenda for child abuse and neglect, reviews medical research directions in child sexual abuse, suggests the author's views of potential research areas, and suggests a policy infrastructure to further implementation of the conference's proposals. (DB)

The role of research in the future of special education is discussed. The impact of research on practice is exemplified in the rise of the mainstreaming movement from research findings unable to find benefits in special class instruction for the mildly handicapped. The continuing ambivalence of the practitioner toward research is noted. The past…

This paper examines the development of service policy for people with intellectual disabilities in Australia, noting the minor role of research and empirical enquiry. Research's significant role in monitoring policy during the implementation phase is, however, acknowledged. A coordinated research program contributing to both policy development and…

This paper seeks to assess the current state of academic research in light of long-term trends in the development of science. It presents three perspectives on the growth of scientific research: (1) Derek de Solla Price's (1963) hypothesis that science has exhibited exponential growth, roughly doubling every 15 years since the 17th century; (2)…

The findings and 13 recommendations of a NSF Advisory Council task force that evaluated universities as centers of basic research are presented. Listed are the major strengths of universities as centers for basic research (including continuity and tradition, freedom of research, interactions among disciplines) and such threats to their viability…

This paper identifies recurrent themes in prevention of behavioral and conduct disorders, including early intervention and family-focused prevention services; school-based prevention programs (such as peer mediation, social skills training, and self-management training); and within- and across-setting collaboration. Key areas for prevention…

Educational research and development (educational R&D), more recently called educational knowledge production and utilization, has become a prominent feature of the educational scene with many of its salient characteristics having taken shape during the last ten years. The federal role in educational R&D began in 1867 with the formation of the…

Reviews trends and assesses the status of university-based scientific research. Points out areas of decline and indicates changes and efforts for expansion and improvement. States future goals and policy needs. (ML)