Discussion of the methods of meta-analysis first identifies problems associated with research integration, the limitations of traditional review techniques, and the advantages of quantitative methods. Meta-analytic procedures are described with respect to how they parallel classical scientific method, including problem formulation, sampling,…

This paper describes guidelines for reporting findings from studies using single subject methods, an approach from which early intervention has benefited substantially. Guidelines address: the foundations of the study, what was done to whom under what situations, what the data say, and what the findings mean. (Contains references.) (DB)

Illustrates some of the changes in research practice associated with and exemplified by quality-of-life studies. Examples of research development in Down syndrome involving quality-of-life concepts are briefly described, indicating the way that quality-of-life studies can affect aims, direction, structure, and interpretation of research.…

This commentary on the previous article on an interpretive research approach discusses the journey of a researcher from radical behaviorism, to interpretive social science, to an emerging viewpoint in which art more than science is used as a way of seeing issues related to disability, education, and change. (Contains 10 references.) (CR)

Problems in current special education categorical research practices are discussed in terms of consistency and reliability, student heterogeneity, and lack of distinct categorical groups. Suggested changes include characteristic-oriented categorization, corresponding changes in dissemination of research findings, and greater specificity and…

This article discusses assumptions that have guided research on children with disabilities, which are to: draw on findings from other areas of research, use rigorous experimental methods, rely on systematic replications, be alert to serendipitous findings, and attend to trends and shifts in perspectives, but follow the data when drawing…

This article discusses how interpretive research can challenge the special education field to think differently about what is already known and to factor in different ways of knowing and different meanings. Three dimensions of interpretive research are explored: "truth" value and accuracy, context and relations, and utility and relevance.…

Reviews three areas of limitations in the comparative evaluations of early intervention alternatives for disabled children presented in this volume: (1) inaccurate outcomes measures; (2) a misconception of parent training programs as representing true family involvement; (3) and the lack of control over the integrity of treatment given study…

The purpose of this guide is to provide local Head Start program decision-makers with a tool that will be useful in developing needs assessments appropriate to their communities, whether urban or rural. Although the guide focused on community needs assessments for planning mainstream services for children with handicapping conditions, its…

This article discusses alternative analyses that reflect the practical significance of test results and the role of sample size in the interpretation of results. It explores effect size reporting and using "what if" analyses to reflect on the role of sample size in the decision to accept the null hypothesis. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

In the context of a discussion of the use of meta-analysis techniques, two articles take issue with the findings of Casto and Mastropieri concerning effects of early intervention, in particular age-at-start parent involvement, conceptual and methodological problems. The authors of the original article provide rebuttals to the critiques. (JW)

This literature review discusses the need for rehabilitation organizations to become culturally competent and for rehabilitation research to reach and be utilized by minority populations. Sections address the incidence of disability in minority populations, the socially constructed nature of race, culture, and disability, cultural power and the…

Twenty-four meta-analyses in mental retardation, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavior disorders were reviewed and analyzed across six domains of information necessary for securing face validity of published meta-analyses. Wide variations that could influence summative results were found. Additionally, temporal analysis of 44 meta-analyses…

This article presents guidelines for "beginning" career researchers on developing a research program, focusing on topic choice, research methodology quality, coauthoring, funding, and selection of journal for publication. Career models in special education research are described, the importance of careful interpretation of research data is…

This commentary on a previous article that demonstrates three ways of analyzing qualitative interview data (content, cultural models, and narrative analyses), discusses the need for greater articulation of the complexities of interpretation and a greater emphasis on verification procedures in early intervention qualitative research. (CR)