This volume deals with the conceptualization and measurement of quality of life for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Part 1, "The Conceptualization of Quality of Life," contains: "Self Advocacy: Foundation for Quality of Life" (Nancy A. Ward and Kenneth D. Keith); "Quality of Life and the Individual's Perspective" (Steven J. Taylor and Robert Bogdan); "Quality of Life across the Life Span" (Jack Stark and Earl Faulkner); "Quality: A Parent's Perspective" (Cathy Ficker Terrill); and "A Grandparent's Perspective: A Special Relationship" (Charles A. Gardner). Part 2, "The Measurement of Quality of Life," includes: "Attempt To Conceptualize and Measure Quality of Life" (Carolyn Hughes and Bogseon Hwang); "Assessment of Quality of Life" (David Felce and Jonathan Perry); "Measuring Quality of Life across Cultures: Issues and Challenges" (Kenneth D. Keith); "A Longitudinal-Ethnographic Research Perspective on Quality of Life" (Robert B. Edgerton); "Methodological Issues in Quality of Life Measurement" (Laird W. Heal and Carol K. Sigelman); and "Evaluation and Measurement of Quality of Life: Special Considerations for Persons with Mental Retardation" (Sharon A. Borthwick-Duffy). Part 3, "Conceptualization and Measurement of Quality of Life," includes "Reconsidering the Conceptualization and Measurement of Quality of Life" (Robert L. Schalock). Each paper contains references. (CR)