Relatively little research has focused on the lives of black girls, even though they are represented in groups whose conditions are of grave social concern. Research on the educational needs of black girls might employ some of the following approaches. To establish priorities for research, the Gurins' 1970 review, "Expectancy Theory in the Study of Poverty" provides a practical model that compares what is learned from experimental studies with the aspirations of practical programs to solve problems. Another promising approach to developing research topics is called "mental stripping," and is exemplified by Janice Porter Gump's 1978 paper, "Reality and Myth: Employment and the Role of Ideology in Black Women." Gump combined literature review with historical analysis and discussion of her own experiences as a Black woman. Areas of research that might be treated this way are black girls' aspirations and preparation for work and careers. A third approach would be to simply add to the database information that is often overlooked, especially information coming from evaluative studies of social and educational programs and needs assessments. For example, a 1982 evaluation of LINCKS, a Washington, DC, program for pregnant high school students, yielded interesting descriptive data on the black girl subpopulation. None of these three approaches is a substitute for gathering information through empirical investigation, but pursuing them would help place what is already known into perspective. Five pages of references conclude the report. (KH)