It explains that applied research describes new ways to handle problems and assesses the usefulness of programs, policies, and procedures. It explains the language, thinking, and methods used in conducting research; presents information on planning and managing research; and provides background information to aid understanding of more advanced books on research. Individual chapters explain the research process, the management of research resources, techniques for defining the problem, research design, data collection and analysis, reporting the findings, and the evaluation of research. Appended reading lists, list of information sources, and information about the authors and the Police Executive Research Forum