Home Economists Identify Research Needs

The continuing need for research-based Extension programs was recently addressed by the Futures Task Force to the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy. The report emphasized the use and transfer of research through Extension networks to communities, families, and youth. One recommendation from the report supported the need for Extension to envision and implement changes to create a system that will be a recognized source for applied research-based programming.

The purpose of the present study was to identify current research needs perceived by Extension home economics professionals representing seven subject-matter areas: (1) human development and family life, (2) housing and interior design, (3) health, (4) public policy education, (5) financial management, (6) textiles and clothing, and (7) foods and nutrition.

Representatives from each state's National Association of Extension Home Economists (NAEHE) Research and Studies Committee, composed of county, area, and state staff, selected individual research areas to be included. Degree of research need was also identified. A modified Delphi technique, consisting of three rounds, was used to conduct the study. Ninety-six areas of research were identified. A mail questionnaire was then developed to solicit evaluations of each research area. Demographic information was also requested of respondents.

The random sample of 335 was drawn from a population of 3,335 home economists with membership in NAEHE.

The findings of the study are based on data identifying subject areas needed and degree of need. The degree of research needed for the various areas indicated by the sample of Extension home economists was determined by computing the mean for each item. A Likert-type scale was used to determine the degree of research needed with 1=no research need and 4=essential need. A variety of research need areas were identified.

Here, in rank order, are the items that most need further research:

1. Relationship between nutrition and disease.
2. Factors important in the prevention of obesity in children.
3. Stress of women juggling multiple roles.
4. Effects of stress on children and teens.
5. Effects on children growing up in a single-parent family.
6. Addressing public policy issues with negative impacts on families.
7. Relationship between children stress and school pressure.
8. Money management strategies of single-parent families.
9. Predictive factors of teen suicide.
10. Nutritional adequacy of diet based on "grazing vs. traditional meals."
11. Interaction between food and the body's chemistry affecting behavioral moods.
12. Economic strategies of families in crisis and food safety.

Today, many issues have an impact on the American family, making Extension's educational role in relating to these families extremely complex.

Extension home economists will continue to identify emerging issues of national concerns. Issues relevant to Extension's mission will be targeted for action. In the decade ahead, Extension agents need to keep up with current research and researchers should be given information from Extension agents and specialists on problems and emerging issues needing additional research.