OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are characteristics that typify research undertaken in diagnostic radiology residency programs, to determine how the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Residency Review Committee's scholarly activity requirement is met by those programs not requiring research, and to ascertain whether differences in research requirements exist between university-based residency programs and those in private facilities. METHODS A one-page survey regarding research requirements during residency was mailed to the 203 program directors of accredited diagnostic radiology residency programs. Chief residents from programs that had not responded to the survey were interviewed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Data collected were analyzed by using Pearson's chi 2 test. RESULTS Ninety-two residency programs responded to the survey. Residents were required to assist a faculty member with research in 33% of programs and perform independent research in 20%. There was no statistically significant difference between private practice-based and university-based training programs. A total of 53% of residency programs required some type of resident research. Defined rotations in research were less common (14%). Time off for research activity was granted on request in 23% of the programs. Programs that did not require research used voluntary research activity (25%) and teaching opportunities (17%) to meet the scholarly activity requirement. CONCLUSIONS While there is no specific ACGME requirement for research by residents, data indicate that the majority of programs consider research activity, either independent or by assisting faculty, to fulfill the ACGME scholarly activity requirement. However, no single method was selected by more than 33% of those responding.