This paper examines reading research and fosters awareness of limitations in such studies. It begins by discussing the historical aspects of the basal reading program and the language experience and individualized reading approaches. It continues by reporting early studies conducted in these areas, and investigating problems with such studies. The paper then examines reading approaches to the present, discusses their limitations, and presents a brief comparison of past and present ideas. The paper concludes with implications for today's reading teachers, suggesting that a combination of various approaches is advisable. (Contains 57 references.) (EF)