The Study of Institutions

Abstract

Six studies of different types of institutions are described and their main findings reported. It is argued that two important features of this research are that real differences in organization, aims, and climate have been found between units that are ostensibly fulfilling the same function, and that these differences have been shown to have an important influence on the inmates. This second point is developed in a discussion of the different types of outcome measures that are available for evaluation, and the effect this choice has on the results. Finally the implications of these studies for both teachers and educational researchers are briefly discussed.