This monograph is a revision of a document published in 1981. While the basic nature
and functions of institutional research have not changed during the intervening years,
developments in the dynamic domain of institutional research have led to this revision.
This publication and its predecessor were sponsored by the Publications Board of the
Association for Institutional Research. Suggestions for the revision were provided by
members of the Publications Board, by members of the Executive Committee and by
other members of the Association; these contributions are gratefully acknowledged. A
draft of the revision was reviewed and very helpful suggestions were provided by Trudy
Bers, Peter Ewell, Mary Kinnick and Patrick Terenzini on behalf of the Publications
Boar