The earlier research has identified several factors associated with participation in risk activities, including lack of knowledge, cultural background, peer group risk behaviors, the youth's other risk practices, biological development, cognitive development, and personality characteristics. A wide range of techniques are available for gathering information about high-risk behaviors. However, an analysis of nine studies evaluating HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, or risk behaviors lacked attention to many of the factors identified in the earlier research and generally did not describe research techniques. The inattention to crucial factors may hamper interpretations of results or compromise the success of educational interventions designed to prevent HIV transmission. Table and 79 reference notes.