Interrelated issues in evaluation and evaluation research: a researcher's perspective.

In an attempt to apply the scientific method to quality assessment, a methodological chart is presented which clarifies the meaning and use of measurement and its relationship to decisions about appropriateness of quality assessment procedures. Six quality assessment research issues are proposed and discussed. It is suggested that quality assessors and researchers work together as partners to strengthen methods currently used to assess the quality of care in day-to-day quality assurance programs.