Research consumers need to understand that a good study often raises more questions than it answers and that research is usually funded by organizations with an agenda directed by the need to find answers through focused research. Therefore, if a study raises important questions, finding answers to the new questions depends on the researcher's ability and on the funding agency's agenda. Correctional research is extremely susceptible to the agenda problem due to close links between correctional and government policies and the fact that government political concerns are often translated into research priorities. Because questions researchers raise tell a great deal about their view of the world, being aware of what is going on behind the scenes as a research consumer is the best way to avoid being led to the same conclusions dictated by a particular researcher's viewpoint. Research consumers should also realize social-scientific models have important features that are not always stated clearly in research reports. Three of the most important features are assumptions, internal consistency, and implications. 5 references