Meta-analysis methodology has evolved with the development of more robust statistical techniques; however, few reviews in special education have focused specifically on methodological rigor in meta-analyses. In this study, we examined 29 meta-analyses of mathematics interventions published from 2000 to 2022 to determine the extent to which…

Since the learning disability (LD) population comprises the largest group receiving special education services, there is a need for research to examine the self-concept of this population at a global level. This systematic literature review synthesized 20 years of quantitative research (k = 16) about the self-concept of students with LD. The…

Single-case research design is a useful methodology for evaluating the presence of a functional relation between an intervention and the mathematical performance of students with a learning disability. However, a functional relation cannot be established with threats to internal validity of the design. External validity is impacted if researchers…

This meta-analysis examined the ecological and population validity of intervention research for students with low mathematics achievement (SWLMA). Forty-four studies published between 2005 and 2019 that met the inclusionary criterion were included in this analysis. Our findings suggest, to improve the external validity and generalizability of…

This article synthesizes observation studies investigating reading instruction for students with learning disabilities (LD) in Grades K-12. A systematic search of the literature between 1980 and 2014 resulted in the identification of 25 studies. In addition to replicating and extending E. A. Swanson's synthesis, the research questions of studies…

Twenty-four empirical investigations of tutoring interventions were evaluated. Although all authors favored their use, equivocal results were reported. Particularly weak were substantiated reports of social benefits to tutors or tutees. Methodological problems associated with such research in field settings are discussed, and implications for…

Literature on a possible higher incidence of cognitive impulsivity in learning disabled (LD) children is critically reviewed to illustrate methodology inconsistencies and resulting interpretive distortions. Although conclusions suggest some evidence of a cognitive impulsivity-LD link, such a connection is clouded by past methodological…

The article presents an analysis of the 229 research reports which have appeared in two major learning disability journals since 1978. Among findings are that the vast majority of these studies are quasiexperimental in nature and control of extraneous variables (e.g., intelligence) was not appropriately demonstrated in many studies. (Author)

The review of the literature concludes that the research on human figure drawing performance of learning disabled (LD) children is sparse and suffers from methodological weaknesses, particularly vague and shifting sample selection criteria. Among conclusions are that little evidence supports the claim that LD children display immature or disturbed…

The author offers the premise that the field of learning disabilities is at a critical point in development and that the research literature manifests such trends as few references beyond special education, emphasis on conversation tasks rather than unifying themes (equilibration and structuralism) of J. Piaget, and reductionist tendencies. (CL)

This tutorial/review covers functional brain-imaging methods and results used to study language and reading disabilities. Although the emphasis is on magnetic resonance imaging and functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy, other imaging techniques are also discussed including positron emission tomography, electroencephalography,…

This literature review examines 10 areas related to employment of adults with learning disabilities: transitions to work, obtaining employment, type of employment, rate of employment, wages, job satisfaction, job success, effect of learning disabilities on work, compensatory strategies, and employer perceptions. Methodological issues, emergent…

The literature on the use of self-monitoring of attention with learning disabled (LD) students is reviewed in terms of models of cognitive behavior modification, methodological concerns limiting the interpretability of self-monitoring research, problems LD students have in selecting what to pay attention to, and implications for instructional…

This article reviews research specific to the relationship between learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders. Shared psychosocial and academic characteristics of the two groups are noted, along with the neurological basis of the disorders. Implications for future research on the increased specificity of the association are discussed.…

Experimental attempts at assessing the social perception skills of learning disabled (LD) children are reviewed, along with methodological concerns relative to these experiments, and possible directions for future social perception research. Ten studies that examined LD children's ability to interpret nonverbal cues indicated they performed more…