Abstract A practical application of Dillman's [1977a; 1977b] “synchronized survey model” is outlined within a community case study context. A step‐by‐step approach to integrating preference survey data with other sources of data in the development of a comprehensive land use plan is presented. Consideration is also given to some problems and trade‐offs with which the researcher must deal when fitting a research process into the practical constraints of community development.

Abstract Practitioners in community development depend on research results as a theoretical foundation and for support in practice. In order to meet research needs, there must be a clarification of the concept of research both by practitioners and social scientists. Broad types of research include case studies, methodological guides, and theoretically based research of practical value. Topical areas of research may be classified as: community structures, dynamics, and reactions; human behavior research; methodology, process, teaching and training; and evaluation of community development effectiveness. Obstacles to meeting research needs may be overcome through increased communication and understanding between researchers and practitioners ; clarification and sharing of roles; and through the creation of new roles to help bridge the gap between research and practice.

Community outreach work, used during the Great Depression and the late 1960's, is still as important today. Outreach Roving Recreation Leaders have been effective in helping recreation and other social agencies aid community development.This study examined whether Roving Leader trainees who received training based on a specially prepared Roving Recreation Leader Training Guide, in comparison with those trained in a traditional program, and those receiving no training, developed: 1) greater self confidence as Roving Leaders; 2) increased understanding of the funtions and role of a Roving Leader; 3) improved ability to select appropriate action for typical problems encountered; and 4) received higher ratings from supervisors on characteristics presumed desirable for outreach work.Roving Leaders trained by techniques suggested in the Guide were indeed more effective workers in terms of the above criteria, but it was also found that trainers needed to be pretrained to use the Guide as well.

“Youth Involvement in Local Government” is a 4-H/CRD program. It helps students learn about the democratic processes by which local government officials are elected and hold office. This is accomplished through a combination of classroom and first-hand learning experiences. The program provides students the opportunity to learn about government operations and functions. Local government officials, in turn, can gain an appreciation for the capabilities of youth by working side-by-side with them.

Third-party consultation plays a useful role for community developers because it promotes the productive resolution of intergroup conflict in community settings. Two related case studies of third-party consultation between conflicting groups in the same neighborhood illustrates a descriptive model. Initially, the impartial consultants facilitated small group, problem-solving discussions between a recreation group, mainly identified with public housing tenants, and a political group, primarily representing private home owners. Consultations resulted in a joint proposal for a community center. This led to a conflict between proponents and opponents which became the focus for a second, but unsuccessful, intervention. The authors analyze the case studies in terms of the major components of the model and in terms of relevant principles of social psychology. Then they discuss the implications for the practice of third-party consultation by community developers.