Many articles have appeared in the educational, instructional, and psychological literature questioning the adequacy of the technology available for devising instruction, and the usability of the instructional research literature as a source of the technology. A systematic planning model is a useful framework for organizing what has to be done to plan and develop instructional programs. It also provides a way of reviewing and summarizing available research to evaluate its usefulness for carrying out the tasks of instructional development. This systematic planning approach has changed substantially the way in which instruction is designed and developed in military organizations, and the way in which instruction is carried out. Researchers have been investigating how people process information and learn, with the long range intention of discovering techniques applicable to the development and delivery of instruction. Research is "relevant" if the tasks studied are chosen from tasks actually taught; or if it uses a detailed, intensive analysis of the task, and of the moment-by-moment behavior generated by subjects performing the task. Current research trends are emphasizing process analysis, and will result in more "relevant" research. (BW)