Although the concept of automated instruction is not new, it has gained major support only in the past 3 years. These 12 papers describe research in the area of instructional methods for technical training. The scientific principles of learning and their applicability to automated instruction are discussed, with emphasis on the role of automated instruction as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, existing institutions and teachers. The papers include: (1) "Preliminary Studies in Automated Teaching" by R. F. Mager, (2) "Automated Instructional Methods for Technical Training" by P. G. Whitmore, (3) "Deriving and Specifying Instructional Objectives" by P. G. Whitmore, and (4) "A Rational Analysis of the Process of Instruction" by P. G. Whitmore. (BH)