This paper begins with a discussion of five aspects of the 1990s which characterize the societal context for gerontological research which make this decade distinctive from preceding ones. These include: gerontology has come of age; the acceptance of a broad definition of health; the recognition of the role of research in policy and program development; the recognition of applied research; and a climate of cost consciousness which applies to many areas, including research which demands it be accurate and usable. The paper discusses the rediscovery of qualitative research as the new hope for answering many of our questions. It is noted that qualitative research has much to offer, although it is not a panacea and should compliment not replace traditional quantitative methods. The following section talks about knowing enough to know when not to do research and educating others about what any particular research project will not do. The remainder of the paper discusses the promise of, and some of the practical means of accomplishing collaborative research.
