DIRECTIONS IN CONSULTATION RESEARCH - BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND PRACTICE

The authors promote the application of research findings to consultati on and suggest directions for practice-relevant consultation research. The authors suggest that consultation research is in an early evoluti onary stage and that further development depends on resolving several fundamental issues. Three approaches to consultation research are disc ussed: naturalistic studies, single-case designs, and alternative mean s of determining significance. Representative research in three areas of interest (consultant practice, consulting process, and consultation interventions) is reviewed, and criteria for evaluating research are discussed. The authors conclude with comments on operationalizing the scientist-practitioner ideal in consultation research and practice.