The author asserts that educational research in Britain has historically acted largely to ease implementation of policies already determined on political grounds and that this concern for "obvious relevance" resulted in a severe narrowing of research initiatives. He suggests that educational researchers take a more formative role in…

Discusses the federal government's progress toward the formation of a national energy policy and briefly describes the energy activities of government agencies, especially the Department of Energy. (SK)

A survey of state legislators reputed to be leaders in the field of education reveals their backgrounds, present activities, and plans for the future. (MLF)

Discusses contributions that a philosopher of science can make to technology assessment, and hence ultimately to the guidance of technology-related public policy on two levels: that of conceptual and methodological analysis, and that of concrete applications. (CS)

Current social science research is reviewed to argue that to consider childhood is to consider a period and form of human development that may not yet have been adequately defined, and that attempts to examine childhood have been only partially realized. Implications of these arguments are discussed. (JMF)

Examines economic equation systems by describing the simultaneous equation model, its application to the economy as a whole, and a systemwide approach to microeconomics. The systems approach focuses on particular segments of the economy such as consumer spending. (Author/KC)

Shows how applied sociological work has shaped the development of the discipline of sociology since World War II. Applied sociology is interpreted as application of sociological theory and knowledge to public policy problems. (DB)

New approaches need to be developed to constructively join law and education without resort to constant litigation and judicial intervention. The case for "preventive law" in public education is presented and a four-step implementation procedure recommended. (Author/MLF)

Major decisions should be made to initiate a national policy to protect the individual, direct information development, and establish international guidelines. Eight aspects of federal information policy reveal potential sources of conflict. (SW)

Women farmworkers and staff members of farmworker organizations revealed barriers (e.g. lack of education, training, transportation, family responsibility, spouse's cooperation) that limit women's participation in all levels of farmworker organizational structure. Available from Farmworker Data Network, 7905 W. 44th, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033…

Illustrates how knowledge derived from the discipline of economics can be used to help shed light on social problems such as poverty, exploitation, and alienation, and can help decision makers form policy to minimize these and similar problems. (DB)

States that yearbook staffs should develop editorial policies that state the goals of their publications and the guidelines for publishing; offers points to ponder in developing such policies. (GT)

Peter MacDonald questioned why the Administration had not consulted Indians in formulating a policy that would necessarily rely on Indian resources. (NQ)

Examines the fragmentation, political control, and paternalism involved in communications policy making in Western Europe. These characteristics are evident in broadcasting, the postal service, telecommunications, and the press. (JMF)

The author suggests that education researchers and supporters of research should be more modest about the potential of such research for solving all the problems of schools, colleges, and students. Priorities should include improving the quality of research, effecting demonstrably useful changes, and optimizing communication with policy makers.…