This monograph on institutional research in junior colleges examines research practices, presents examples, and makes recommendations for organizing the support of such activities. The need for this kind of research is documented and its uses are highlighted. Of 83 randomly selected colleges, 70 reported by telephone interview on their current research projects. Areas of research emphasized most often were: (1) student characteristics (in various correlations), (2) faculty, (3) instruction, (4) curriculum and programs, (5) student personnel services, (6) institutional operations, and (7) other topics such as campus environment, drug use, and testing. The four most frequent approaches to research were: (1) observational studies from records or surveys, (2) group comparisons by matched characteristic, by random selection, or by natural or existing group, (3) correlational studies for improvement of prediction and counseling. This report examines 25 recent studies, taken from 28 reports, with comments on the methodology and results of each. (All 28 reports are available from ERIC.) They are reviewed nder the following headings: (1) students, (2) teachers, (3) programs and instruction, and (4) student services. The monograph points out that institutional evaluation is the president's responsibility; it is he who must ask the right questions and see that the answers are sought by a competent research staff. (HH)