The failure of research to affect educational practices has provoked discussion of the processes of research (finding the right kinds of questions to study) and development (learning how to apply knowledge), of the priorities of "basic" versus "applied" research. T. R. McConnell believes that problems can be selected which have both theoretical and practical relevance--a combination appealing to government-sponsored research and development centers. College-sponsored offices of institutional research have traditionally been concerned with operational problems although results of such research have limited or no relevance to academic problems and purposes. The fact that colleges fail to adopt policies or practices of verified worth indicates the need for utilizing knowledge produced by research. Government and private agencies have recognized that development is as important as research in effecting change. Evaluation of development is also necessary although difficult when goals cannot be tangibly measured. Research and development and evaluation considered as a total process may be the most promising approach to improvement in higher education. (JS)