Over the past 50 years, correctional professionals have been consistently vulnerable to accepting the latest fad or 'innovation,' without first examining any type of empirical data. Currently, direct supervision is receiving growing acceptance, although almost no research exists regarding its validity. Further empirical research should focus on its use and on other correctional management techniques before they are endorsed widely. Studies of group dynamics could be instructive, for example, in determining the ratio of inmates to correctional officers. In addition, the nature and purpose of the frequent communication recommended, the type and length of staff training, the role of architectural design, and the needs of inmates with different security classifications should receive research attention. The research needs to be both reliable and valid and should overcome the problems found in much past research on corrections. 13 references.