Guidelines are set forth regarding the conduct of research involving staff members as subjects or dealing with the Montgomery County (PA) Intermediate Unit as a whole. The term research is seen to include all types of data gathering that occurs within the unit, including multiple Intermediate Unit research, gathering data on the Intermediate Unit as a whole, data collection for routine program administration purposes, and data collection from staff members as private individuals and not as members of the agency. The research clearance process is detailed, and procedures for submitting federally funded and nonfederally funded research requests are described. An appeals process, further research review, research findngs dissemination, and monitoring aspects are also reviewed. Sample forms are appended. (CL)