WHAT THEY DONT TEACH IN GRADUATE-SCHOOL - FAMILY SYSTEMS RESEARCH IN THE REAL-WORLD

The authors maintain that traditional training in research methods ove rlooks the power of interactional dynamics in the research process and , therefore, inadequately prepares students for understanding the obst acles to conducting research in community settings. Using family syste ms theory, the authors present and analyze the ecological dynamics of a research study of families and health conducted in collaboration wit h a health maintenance organization (HMO) and a Fortune 500 corporatio n. The authors call for family research literature and training progra ms to employ family systems theory to understand the research system c reated when the researcher engages research participants and community organizations.