This paper describes ways in which home economics research has been evaluated and suggests new theoretical approaches which may be applied in quantitative empirical analyses of benefits from home economics research. It includes dis cussion of evaluations of returns to agricultural research because these have set precedents and offer insights for assessments in other fields. Home economics research has been extensively analyzed, often with an orientation to goals, needs, and strategies for future research. Several studies have focused on past research in regard to personnel, funding, administration, publication productivity, and implications of patterns in published research reports. Literature on benefits from research is largely descriptive and nonquantitative. Quantitative assessments of benefits in relation to research investments have been recommended. The eco nomic theory of the household, including both neoclassic theory and the “new household economics,” provides a general framework for analysis. Three types of information output from home economics research have been identified: household efficiency information, product quality information, and health and safety information. New approaches for evaluating the research which supplies such information are suggested.
One hundred and seventeen home economics institutions in the United States, including Puerto Rico, were surveyed to identify how international perspectives are incorporated into coursework, curricula, and research. Four units reported either an international major, minor, or emphasis area within home economics; three units reported required or elective home economics courses for institu tional international programs of study. About one‐fifth of the respondents planned student experiences in international settings and placed students in international positions after graduation. In contrast, almost half are involved in grantsmanship, research activities and curricular planning on an international scope. Contributions cited were training students from other countries and as sisting individuals and families to improve their quality of life throughout the world, especially women. Future directions recommended by respondents were building a research base for international program development and researching issues impacting quality of life. Since survey replies indicated that faculty involve ment in international programs appears to be based on interest, and activity ap pears to be limited in course and curriculum planning, many questions can be raised in home economics about present educational programs in home eco nomics and relevancy to intercultural‐international programs and research.
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